Geboorte van Esau en Jakob 1563

Cornelis Cort created this engraving, “Birth of Esau and Jacob,” sometime in the 16th century. The print depicts a biblical scene from the book of Genesis, the birth of Isaac’s twin sons to his wife Rebecca. During the 16th century, artists like Cort were very concerned with the representation of domestic scenes and family life. In this print, ideas about gender, lineage, and divine promise are interwoven. The image suggests the pain and vulnerability associated with childbirth, but it also emphasizes the central role of women in continuing the family line. Note how the laboring Rebecca is attended by multiple women, highlighting both the communal nature of childbirth and the gendered division of labor. Despite the intimate and emotional nature of the scene, the artwork also operates within the historical context of religious doctrine and patriarchal social structures. The Latin inscription reinforces the idea of divine intervention in Rebecca’s conception, emphasizing the twins’ destiny. Cornelis Cort reinforces traditional narratives while inviting viewers to consider the lived experiences of women in biblical stories.