Ruth and Boaz 1607 - 1656

Aniello Falcone, a 17th-century Neapolitan artist, rendered "Ruth and Boaz" in a red chalk drawing, capturing a biblical scene through his distinct cultural lens. Falcone lived during a time of immense social upheaval in Naples, marked by revolts and plagues, which may have influenced his dramatic and often violent depictions. Here, the story of Ruth takes form. Ruth, a Moabite widow, chose to stay with her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi, and convert to her religion after her husband died. This meant embracing a new identity in a foreign land. The drawing captures her meeting with Boaz, a wealthy landowner who would eventually become her husband, ensuring her security and lineage within Jewish society. Falcone’s choice to depict this particular narrative speaks to themes of loyalty, conversion, and the negotiation of identity. The use of red chalk adds a raw, immediate feel to the scene. While embracing traditional religious narratives, Falcone also subtly infuses the work with the realities of identity and survival, reflecting on the complex interplay between personal choice and societal expectation.