18th C. Old Master, Moses and the Serpent. Oil on canvas. Depicting the parable from the bible. This dramatic scene from the Old Testament (Numbers 21, 5-9) depicts the moment when Moses saves his people from the snakes sent by God as punishment for their lack of faith. The bronze serpent on a rod, whose mere contemplation is sufficient to cure anyone bitten by a snake, symbolizes salvation. Provenance: Important private North Carolina collection. Sight Size: 20.5 x 51 in. Overall Framed Size: 23 x 54 in.