Jacob and Laban c. 1581

Editor: This is Adriaen Collaert's "Jacob and Laban," made around the turn of the 17th century. The engraving is quite detailed, depicting various scenes surrounding the two figures. How do you interpret the narrative being presented here? Curator: Ah, Collaert! There's a wonderfully theatrical flair, isn't there? Look at how he compresses multiple moments into one frame. I see family drama, divine intervention... it feels like a stage play, doesn't it? Almost a comic one, with all those animals. Editor: Comic? I hadn't considered that. Curator: Well, drama always has its lighter moments. Perhaps it's the artist's wink at the absurdity of human conflict, even within a family. What do you make of the angel wrestling a figure in the upper register? Editor: I hadn't noticed the embrace looked like wrestling! It does offer a different angle on this family drama. Curator: Exactly!