1863
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Isaac and Rebekah is a 1863 watercolor by Simeon Solomon, a British Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows two people standing close together in what looks like a garden. The woman wears a long, light-colored dress with soft folds, her hands clasped in front of her. The man next to her has a turban, loose robes in brown and cream, and holds a scroll or cloth. The background is dark and blurry, with a hint of trees and a building. Notice how the artist used light and shadow to make the figures stand out against the dark backdrop. The soft brushstrokes give the clothes a textured, almost glowing look. Look up Solomon, Simeon to see more of his work.
The watercolour depicts Isaac and Rebekah facing each other with their hands clasped, Rebekah’s eyes closed and Isaac speaking to her; the work is initialled S. S. and dated 1863. It illustrates the biblical narrative in which Rebekah, introduced as a resourceful young woman, becomes Isaac’s wife after proving herself in the betrothal episode of Genesis 24. Later episodes in the same story describe the birth of the twins Esau and Jacob and Rebekah’s role in securing the blessing for Jacob, shaping the future leadership of the tribe.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Simeon Solomon (9 October 1840 – 14 August 1905) was a British painter associated with the Pre-Raphaelites who was noted for his depictions of Jewish life and same-sex desire.
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