BOTTICELLI, Sandro
(b. 1445, Firenze, d. 1510, Firenze)

The Trials and Calling of Moses (detail)

1481-82
Fresco
Cappella Sistina, Vatican

As it was such an important event, Botticelli depicted the calling of Moses in two scenes. While Moses is looking after the sheep belonging to his stepfather, God appears to him in the burning bush and orders him to take off his shoes before approaching. Then he commands him to lead the children of Israel from Egypt into the Promised Land.