Elieser og Rebekka ved brønden by Edvard Sonne

1830s

Elieser og Rebekka ved brønden

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Curatorial notes

Edvard Sonne created this print of "Elieser og Rebekka ved brønden," depicting a biblical scene, using engraving techniques. Sonne lived during a time when Denmark, like much of Europe, was deeply influenced by classical ideals and religious narratives. In this piece, we see the servant Eliezer offering gifts to Rebekka at the well, a pivotal moment that signifies her selection as Isaac’s wife. It’s worth noting how Sonne, as a male artist, interprets and presents these figures. The women surrounding Rebekka are almost a chorus, their presence highlighting Rebekka’s central role and purity. Engravings like this were often reproduced, circulating ideas about gender roles, religious virtue, and the exoticism of biblical lands to a broad audience. Sonne's work invites us to reflect on how historical narratives are visualized and the values they reinforce.