The artwork titled “Moses” is a creation by the distinguished artist Frida Kahlo, dating back to the year 1945. This work, executed in oil on masonite, measures 61 by 75.6 centimeters and can be classified under the religious painting genre. It exhibits influences from the Naïve Art (Primitivism) and Surrealism movements and is currently held within the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) located in Houston, Texas, United States.
The artwork presents a vivid tableau filled with symbolic imagery and a multitude of figures, some of which draw from religious, historical, and mythological contexts. Central to the composition is a radiant sun, around which other elements orbit, suggesting a universe of connected stories and ideas. Beneath the sun, an array of personages appears, their faces and postures suggesting a variety of emotions and states of being. The color palette is warm and earthy, with a profusion of detail that invites the viewer to explore the connections between the characters and their possible meanings.
Diverse references within the composition require contemplation and may speak to themes of creation, wisdom, and the journey of mankind. Kahlo was known for her rich symbolism and personal iconography, which often included autobiographical elements. In this artwork, the elements combine to form an intricate narrative, reflective of Kahlo’s unique perspective and her broader cultural and political influences.
