Artwork
Laban Searching for His Stolen Gods
Laban Searching for His Stolen Gods is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Augustin de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1753 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
Executed in 1753 by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, this religious painting utilizes oil paint applied to a canvas support.
Executed in 1753 by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, this religious painting utilizes oil paint applied to a canvas support. The work measures 45.6 cm in height and 57.3 cm in width. Created in France, the piece is classified as a painting within the religious genre.
The available records confirm the medium and dimensions but do not provide specific details regarding the artist's handling of the paint, the current physical condition of the surface, or distinct formal and stylistic qualities beyond its genre classification.
History & Provenance
Laban Searching for His Stolen Gods is an oil‑on‑canvas painting executed in 1753 by French artist Augustin de Saint‑Aubin. The work measures 45.6 × 57.3 cm and was created in France. It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it has been held since its acquisition, as recorded in the museum’s catalog.
The painting is catalogued as a religious work, reflecting the artist’s output in the mid‑18th century. The attribution is based on stylistic analysis and contemporary records.
Overview
Augustin de Saint-Aubin's oil painting, Laban Searching for His Stolen Gods, was completed in 1753. This religious work is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art. It depicts a dramatic biblical scene set in a rugged landscape, characterized by a group of figures illuminated by soft light and shadow, creating a sense of tension and narrative depth within the composition.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates a biblical episode, likely from the Book of Genesis, where Laban searches for his household gods, which have been stolen by Rachel. The composition centers on a woman in a white headscarf cradling a child, with another figure nearby, suggesting Rachel's concealment of the idols. The dimly lit, rocky environment and distant city with spires contribute to the dramatic tension of the narrative.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Augustin de Saint-Aubin sometimes styled Auguste de Saint-Aubin (3 January 1736 – 9 November 1807), belongs to an important dynasty of French designers and engravers.
