Rebecca at the Well

Oil on canvas

50 x 66 cm.

Framed 63 x 84 cm.

The painting depicts the biblical episode from the Book of Genesis (Genesis 22:23) in which Eliezer, the most faithful servant of the patriarch Abraham, is sent by the latter to his country of origin in search of a suitable wife for his son Isaac, thus ensuring a descendant for his lineage.

He sets off with a caravan of ten camels and precious gifts, and when he arrives at a well, tired and thirsty, he meets a young girl named Rebecca, who offers him freshly drawn water and also takes care of his camels.

The servant interprets this gesture of kindness as a divine sign, recognising in her the bride predestined by God for Isaac. Our painting illustrates the scene in which Eliezer gives the girl a precious pearl necklace, just taken from the chest full of jewels that his kneeling servant holds open, while the other tends to the camels. Rebecca, in a sumptuous light-coloured dress wrapped in a yellow silk shawl, her hair gathered in an oriental-style tiara, is surrounded by a group of companions who encourage her, and she accepts the gift with enthusiasm.

Looking now at the canvas in detail, in terms of its stylistic and compositional aspects, with its brilliant palette, the theatrical gestures that animate the characters, the narrative brilliance and the undisputed pictorial quality and attention to detail, we can attribute its authorship to an artist of the Roman school active between the 17th and 18th centuries, without neglecting the reminiscences of Bolognese culture.

In particular, the work can be traced back to the circle of painters active in the orbit of Pietro Berrettini, known as Pietro da Cortona (Cortona 1597 – Rome 1669), one of the interpreters of the Baroque school and progenitor of a large group of followers. Among the countless students and artists influenced by his style, we can mention Ciro Ferri, Lorenzo Berettini, Guillaume Courtois, Lazzaro Baldi, and Giovanni Francesco Romanelli.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a pleasant gilded frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organise the transport of purchased works, both in Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

In the event of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit, which takes approximately 10-20 days. Our gallery will take care of the entire process until the permit is obtained. All costs for this procedure are included.

It is also possible to view the painting in our gallery in Riva del Garda. We would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.

Please feel free to contact us for any further information.

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