Eliëzer en Rebekka 1579

This print, titled "Eliëzer en Rebekka," was made by an anonymous artist and is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. It illustrates a scene from the Book of Genesis, where Abraham's servant Eliezer seeks a wife for Isaac. The image tells a story of cultural expectations of women. Rebekka is seen offering water to Eliezer and his camels, showcasing her kindness and hospitality. The landscape, with its classical architecture, suggests a world where wealth and status are important. Prints like these often circulated among wealthy collectors. The institution of arranged marriage and the expectations placed on women in that context are also present. To further understand the image, historians would research the social and religious context of the time, looking into texts and images that might shed light on the cultural meanings embedded in the work. Only then can we truly appreciate the layers of meaning present.