Rebecca Et Eliézer 1883

Alexandre Cabanel made this painting of Rebecca and Eliezer sometime in the mid-19th century. It depicts a scene from the Book of Genesis, but it does so through the lens of orientalism, a fascination with the "exotic" cultures of the Middle East. France, like other European powers, was expanding its colonial reach during this period. Paintings like this one reflected and reinforced a particular view of the region and its people. We can see how Cabanel emphasizes the supposed beauty and servitude of Rebecca. Meanwhile, the Middle East is depicted as a timeless land of ancient customs. Such images played a role in shaping public opinion. They influenced how people understood the relationship between Europe and the rest of the world. Understanding the context in which art is made is essential to understanding its meaning. By exploring the historical, social, and institutional forces at play, we can gain a deeper understanding of the artwork's significance.