The subject is not definite but seems to be that of the infant
Moses holding Pharaoh's crown just before trampling on it. This
action symbolised his rejection of Pharoah's rule over the
exiled Israelites. The pale pastel colouring and fluid, sketchy,
seemingly unfinished, technique are common features of Reni's
late works. He may have intended to give some details, such as
the young Moses' out-stretched foot, more finish, but this is by
no means certain. The visible mid-brown coloured ground helps
define the shadows and half tones. The painting was probably
among those left in the artist's studio when he died.