Artwork

Rebecca at the Well

Rebecca at the Well, by Italian 17th Century, ink
Rebecca at the Well, by Italian 17th Century, ink

Rebecca at the Well is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Italian 17th Century. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Rebecca at the Well is a drawing executed in pen and brown ink on laid paper, featuring a solitary female figure at a well as its central subject.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman lost in thought at a well, conveying a sense of quiet intimacy. The subject's contemplative state is emphasized through simple yet effective compositional choices.

Technique & Style

The artist achieved depth and shading through basic techniques, notably cross-hatching, demonstrating resourcefulness with limited tools. The overall effect is understated, enhancing the work's intimate atmosphere.

Context

The use of pen and brown ink on paper, along with the employment of cross-hatching, situates the drawing within traditional European drawing practices, where such methods were commonly used for both sketching and finished works.

Legacy

While specific influence or widespread recognition of 'Rebecca at the Well' is not detailed here, the piece illustrates fundamental drawing techniques that continue to be studied in the context of artistic training and the history of draughtsmanship.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Italian 17th Century

Artist

Italian 17th Century

This Italian artist worked in the 17th century, making engravings, ink drawings, and oil paintings.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.