01
Rebecca's advice
At far left, a woman in a halo-like veil (likely Rebecca) turns toward Jacob with her hand extended. Her gesture links her to the man bending toward her, and the story begins with this exchange.
1 of 5 on the painting
“This lavish 16th-century tapestry tells the dramatic biblical story of Jacob and Rebecca's deception of Isaac. Look closely to see multiple scenes from the plot unfolding simultaneously across the intricate weaving.”
ABOUT THIS WORK
This vibrant tapestry, woven from wool and silk, pulls you into a tense family drama from the biblical story of Jacob and Esau. In the foreground, Rebecca, Jacob's mother, leans in conspiratorially, her hand resting on her son's shoulder. Jacob, clad in a richly adorned cloak, listens intently, seemingly plotting with his mother to deceive his blind father, Isaac. The two young goats nearby aren't just decorative; they are key players in Rebecca's scheme to cook a meal that will help Jacob steal his brother's birthright. The tapestry masterfully combines multiple moments from Genesis 27 into one continuous scene, a common narrative technique in 16th-century tapestries. This piece, created in the Workshop of Jan van Tieghem around 1560, exemplifies the intricate storytelling and luxurious craftsmanship characteristic of Brussels and Flemish weavers of the period.
DETAILS
- Artist
- Workshop of Jan van Tieghem
- Date
- 1560
- Medium
- Wool and silk, slit and double interlocking tapestry weave Warp: Count: 5 warps per cm; wool: S-ply of three Z-spun elements; diameter: 1.2 mm Weft: Count: varies from 20 to 34 wefts per cm; wool: S-ply of two Z-spun elements; diameters; 0,4–1.2 mm; silk: S-ply of two Z-twisted elements; diameters: 0.5–1.5 mm
- Location
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Dimensions
- 267.7 × 260.4 cm (105 3/8 × 102 1/2 in.)
- Collection
- Textiles
- Culture
- Brussels
- Credit line
- Gift of Sanger Robinson
LOOK CLOSER
What to Notice
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02
Jacob's star cloak
Jacob leans forward in a red cloak scattered with golden star-like flowers, one of the brightest passages in the scene. His blue sleeves and striped red and gold garments add to the rich color.
2 of 5 on the painting
03
The two young goats
The pale animals in the foreground look like sheep or young goats, and Jacob's hands reach right over them. In the story, Rebecca has Jacob fetch two kids to prepare the meal that will win Isaac's blessing.
3 of 5 on the painting
04
Isaac's blessing
Under the golden canopy on the right, a figure lies in a bed, likely the blind Isaac, with others gathered around. One woman stands holding a dish, and another figure kneels close by. The tent shows the blessing scene.
4 of 5 on the painting
05
Esau hunting
Small in the distant woods, a hunter with a dog chases deer. This is probably Esau, who is out hunting while Jacob receives the blessing.
5 of 5 on the painting
AUDIO DEEP DIVE
Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through The Meeting of Jacob and Rebecca, and Isaac Blessing Jacob from The Story of Jacob — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.
THE ARTIST
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