The artwork entitled “Meeting of Jacob and Rachel at the well (Genesis XXIX, 7, 10)” is a creation of the esteemed artist Marc Chagall, conceived around 1931 while he was in Paris, France. This work is an etching on paper, contributing to the genre of religious painting, and is part of the “Etchings for the Bible” series produced between the years 1930-1939 and 1952-1956. This piece measures 29.6 x 23.5 cm and is associated with the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement.
In the artwork, two central figures dominate the composition, presumably depicting the biblical characters of Jacob and Rachel. Both are portrayed with a sense of tender intimacy and are in close physical proximity, indicative of the momentous meeting described in the Book of Genesis. Jacob is typically depicted with facial hair, which hints at the male figure in the artwork corresponding to his traditional representation. The figures are rendered with simplified forms and subdued details, characteristic of Chagall’s style within the Naïve Art movement. This approach gives the etching a raw and expressive quality.
The background appears rather muted, with the well subtly integrated into the scene, signifying the location of their meeting. A couple of sheep can be discerned near the well, adding context and reinforcing the biblical narrative of Jacob meeting Rachel as she came to water her father’s sheep. Chagall’s technique involves softly etched lines and various shading to convey the depth and emotional resonance of the scene.
The color palette is limited, adhering to the monochromatic nature of etchings, but the artwork is dense with texture and gesture, creating a dynamic sense of engagement between the figures and their environment. This artwork is a visual testament to Chagall’s interest in biblical themes and his ability to infuse them with a personal and evocative interpretation.
