Jacob and Laban with Rachel and Leah (recto); Sketch of Two Men and Other Various Figures (verso)

1604

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Jacob and Laban with Rachel and Leah (recto); Sketch of Two Men and Other Various Figures (verso) is a 1604 by Unknown, a Baroque work, depicting Bologna, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1604 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This sketch shows four people in flowing robes, standing close together. The two women hold a small barrel between them, while the men look on. The scene feels busy but loose, like a quick study. The paper has a warm, faded brown tone, and the lines are soft and smudged in spots. The back of the paper has faint, blurred figures scribbled in—maybe early ideas or practice strokes. The artist didn’t finish it, leaving some areas sketchy. It’s like catching them mid-thought. If you like this rough, expressive style, look up chiaroscuro next.