Artwork

Eliezer and Rebecca at the Well

Eliezer and Rebecca at the Well, by Rembrandt, ink, 1644
Eliezer and Rebecca at the Well, by Rembrandt, ink, 1644

Eliezer and Rebecca at the Well is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Eliezer and Rebecca at the Well is a drawing by Rembrandt van Rijn, created around 1644. It is executed in reed pen and brown ink with brown wash and white gouache.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a scene with multiple figures, centered around two main characters, one standing and one kneeling, accompanied by a child. The background includes trees and a tent, suggesting a biblical narrative, likely the story of Eliezer and Rebecca.

Technique & Style

The drawing is characterized by quick, sketchy lines and loose, hurried strokes, conveying a sense of movement and emotion. White gouache is used to create highlights, such as on the kneeling figure's sleeve, adding contrast to the brown ink and wash.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Rembrandt

Artist

Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.

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