The Marriage Of Isaac & Rebecca - From The Orginal Picture By Claude Lorrain In National Gallery No- 91

Description

This engraving depicts a scene depicting the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah, a scene that holds deep spiritual and symbolic meaning, particularly in Christian iconography. The engraving celebrates Rebekah's meeting with Isaac and their subsequent marriage, set against a pastoral backdrop of nature. This marriage scene is interpreted not simply as an act of individual love or communal unity, but as the result of divine providence. Rebekah is chosen by Abraham's servant Eliezer because he is the one who answers Eliezer's prayer. Eliezer prays to God, "If she gives water to both me and my camels, I will know that she is righteous." Rebekah's behavior demonstrates her hospitality and her divine choice. The engraving's pastoral celebration scene symbolizes not only the joy of marriage but also a ritual of gratitude for the completion of a divine mission.