Venetian master, 2nd half of the 17th century, Rebecca at the Well, Venetian master, 2nd half of the 17th century, Rebecca at the Well

46 x 30.5 cm

Eliezer was sent by Abraham to find a godly wife for his son Jacob. He was encamped at a well near the city of Harran when the women of the city came to fetch water. He asked them for water and one of them gave him and his camels a drink. Accordingly, Eliezer recognized that this was the right woman for Isaac, as this was the sign he had previously asked God for (Genesis 24:14).
The painting shows the moment in the story when Rebecca gives Eliezer a drink. A blonde woman stands as the main figure in the center of a tall rectangular composition, gracefully turning to Eliezer to hand him a pitcher of water to drink. A little girl cuddles up to Rebecca and holds her dress, and the sheep standing at the woman's feet also watch the scene. On the ground is a box of jewelry that Eliezer will give to Rebecca. To the right of the group, other women draw water from a well supported by a retaining wall. Trees grow on the hill. On the left, the view leads past Eliezer's camels and other women into the distance, to the mountains. A steep pyramid rises in the middle. The composition impresses with its contrasts, liveliness, effective lighting and harmonious colors.
Oil on canvas
46 x 30.5 cm