The Levite and his concubine 1658

Pièrre Recco made this watercolor titled, ‘The Levite and his concubine’, sometime between the late 18th and early 19th century. The scene depicts a story from the Book of Judges, a tumultuous period in ancient Israel marked by violence. The story revolves around a Levite, or member of the priestly tribe, his concubine, and the brutal events that unfold after they seek shelter in a hostile town. Recco's choice to illustrate this moment invites reflection on themes of morality, justice, and the vulnerability of marginalized figures. The concubine, an unmarried woman living with the Levite in a marital state, occupies a precarious position in the social hierarchy. The treatment she receives throughout the narrative underscores the gendered power dynamics of the time. Recco's artwork serves as a poignant commentary on the human condition. The themes of violence, exploitation, and the struggle for justice continue to resonate deeply.