The artwork titled “Jacob Blessing Ephraim and Manasseh,” created by Benjamin West between 1766 and 1768, is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 101.3 x 129.5 cm. This piece, belonging to the Neoclassicism art movement, represents a religious painting genre and is currently housed in the Allen Memorial Art Museum (AMAM) in Oberlin, Ohio, United States.
The artwork depicts a significant biblical scene where Jacob, frail and elder, is bestowing his blessings upon his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh. The composition is meticulously designed, with Jacob centrally positioned and supported by others, symbolizing his frailty yet significant role. One can observe the attentive engagement of the figures surrounding Jacob, enhancing the narrative’s emotional intensity. The painterly technique is indicative of Neoclassicism, emphasizing clarity, order, and idealized forms. The solemn ambiance, detailed expressions, and use of light and shadow in the painting convey reverence and depth, capturing a pivotal moment of familial and spiritual significance.