Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 1606 – 1669

The Reconciliation of Jacob and Esau

pen drawing (21 × 30 cm) — c. 1655 Museum Kupferstichkabinett der Staatlichen Museen, Berlin

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn biography

This work is linked to Genesis 33:4

Tags: Jacob

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The twins Jacob and Esau were at odds after Jacob had deceived his elder brother: he acquired Esau's birth right for a cup of soup and tricked their father to bless him in stead of Esau. Jacob had to flee as Esau planned to kill him. After a while they reconciled, and lived peacefully next to each other.

Rembrandt here shows how they meet and embrace.

God had announced that the elder brother would serve the younger in Genesis 25:23.

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