“Eliezer and Rebecca at the Well” is an oil on canvas artwork by the esteemed 17th-century artist Nicolas Poussin, completed in the year 1648. The painting measures 118 by 199 centimeters and is a fine example of the Classicism art movement, which emphasizes clarity, order, and restrained emotion. Classified as a religious painting, it belongs to the collection housed at the Louvre in Paris, France. This work embodies Poussin’s precise composition and is imbued with the classical idealism that informs much of his oeuvre.
The artwork depicts the biblical narrative of Eliezer’s encounter with Rebecca at the well, a scene taken from the Book of Genesis. At the center of the composition stands Eliezer, identifiable by his oriental attire, gesturing towards Rebecca, whose act of drawing water corresponds to the fulfillment of a prophecy determining her as the chosen bride for Isaac. Rebecca is portrayed with modest grace and is attentively listening to Eliezer. Around them is a cohort of women, each rendered with distinct garb and bearing that suggests their individual personalities, yet their arrangement and actions create a harmonious balance typical of classical compositions.
The setting is a representation of the ancient Middle Eastern landscape, with architectural structures indicative of the era, and a backdrop of clear skies and rolling hills that give the scene an air of tranquility. Poussin’s mastery in the use of color and light is evident, as the pastel hues of the garments contrast with the brown and earthy tones of the environment, directing the viewer’s focus onto the central narrative. The stage-like presentation of the figures is characteristic of Poussin’s style, lending the artwork its narrative clarity while capturing the solemnity and significance of the historical moment.
