Moses with the Ten Commandments
Attributed to Abraham Bloemaert
Utrecht, Netherlands; ca. 1610
Pen in brown ink, heightened with white

Approximate size: 30.5 x 22 cm

The present sketch appears to be a near final preparatory draft for an etching and chiaroscuro woodcut from two blocks, depicting Moses with the Ten Commandments, executed by Abraham Bloemaert sometime after 1610. The finished etching-woodcut is approximately 40 x 22.7, the approximate size of and scale of the present sketch.

On the present sketch it can be observed how Bloemaert has worked-out where he intends to lay down the tones incorporating ink from the woodblocks using white highlights and a subtle brown wash.

Bloemart’s print of Moses is a pendant to one made also of Moses’ brother and Jewish High Priest: Aaron.

A collector’s stamp on the sheet notes its provenance with Friedrich Quring (see Lugt 1041c).