Artwork Information

Sebastien Bourdon was one of many French artists who worked for a time in Rome, initially developing a quietly elegant style in the manner of Castiglione that attracted several discerning French patrons. He fled the city in 1637, as he feared being de-nounced as a Protestant.

Along with other scenes from the Old Testament, Bourdon painted several works before 1640 on the theme of Jacob. While this etching is still somewhat hazy, in the final state the blacks are more deeply etched, giving greater definition to each of the figures. (A Connoisseur's Eye: Prints from the Tomory Collection, 2005)