Study for 'The Meeting Jacob and Rachel'
Artist
William Dyce
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1806 - 1864)
Datec.1850
Mediumpen and ink on paper
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 21.1 cm, Width: 21 cm
Frame: Height: 56.3 cm, Width: 40.3 cm
Frame: Height: 56.3 cm, Width: 40.3 cm
AcquisitionBequeathed in 1940 by Miss Ella C Dyce.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003231
About MeThis study shows how originally Dyce planned that Jacob and Rachel would be depicted full length, but before completing the first oil painting Dyce decided to truncate the composition, retaining only the upper two thirds of the figures. This has the effect of enlivening the action, bringing the viewer closer to that intense moment when "Jacob kissed Rachel and lifted up his voice and wept". (Genesis 29.11). Apart from this fact the oil painting (Leicester Art Gallery) compositionally is very close to the drawing, although the flock of sheep are seated and restful rather than crowding around the figures, as they do in the drawing.More About Me
A sketch for the painting in Leicester Art Gallery. The completed work shows only the upper two thirds of the figures, enlivening the action.
Sir William Allan
1806-1808 or 1830
