Moses receiving the Tablets of the Law from God who descends from the heavens; from the series of 112 prints of the sacred history, after the painting by Mattia Preti

Art Historical Context

This striking print captures a pivotal biblical moment: Moses receiving the Ten Commandments as God dramatically descends from the heavens. Created around 1730–39 by Pietro Monaco after an original painting by Mattia Preti (known as Il Cavalier Calabrese), it belongs to a large series of 112 etchings and engravings illustrating sacred history. Preti, a leading Baroque artist from Calabria, was renowned for his dynamic compositions and dramatic use of light, qualities that Monaco skillfully translated into print form. The technique of etching and engraving allowed for fine detail and rich tonal contrasts, making such religious narratives widely accessible beyond the original canvas. Measuring nearly 20 by 14 inches, the sheet’s scale gives the heavenly encounter an imposing presence. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum through the Rogers Fund in 1962, this work highlights the important role of reproductive prints in 18th-century Europe, spreading influential Baroque imagery and devotional stories to new audiences.