Bartholomeus Breenbergh 1598 – 1657

Jacob Wrestling with the Angel

oil on panel (50 × 68 cm) — 1639 Museum Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Bartholomeus Breenbergh biography

This work is linked to Genesis 32:24

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Jacob is on his way back to his fatherland Canaan when he encounters his brother Esau's guardian angel, who blocks his way. Jacob and Esau fell out, and Jacob had left the country. The two wrestle all night. At the break of dawn the angel gives up and blesses Jacob. He gives Jacob the name "Israel" in honour of his struggle with God.

Breenbergh put the story in a mediterranean landscape. In the foreground to the left are Jacob's cape and walking stick.

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