“Before the Death, Blind Isaac Blesses His Second Son Jacob, Rebecca, Told Him to Make It for His Elder Son, Esau” is an etching created by Marc Chagall in 1956 in France. The work, measuring 29.9 x 24.1 cm, is part of the “Etchings for the Bible” series, produced between 1930-1939 and 1952-1956. As a piece of Naïve Art (Primitivism), it depicts a religious scene from Genesis XXVII, 26-29, encapsulating the moment when the blind Isaac erroneously blesses his second son, Jacob, as guided by Rebecca.
In the artwork, Isaac is portrayed as a venerable figure, heavily bearded and laying his hands upon Jacob, who kneels before him. The scene is rendered with a simplicity characteristic of Naïve Art, eschewing intricate details in favor of a more raw, emotive presentation. In the background, a figure presumed to be Rebecca is seen at a table, contributing to the narrative context. The expressive lines and minimalist surroundings heighten the solemnity and intimacy of this significant biblical episode.
