Prints and Drawings Room
View by appointment- Artist
- William Holman Hunt 1827–1910
- Medium
- Wood engraving on paper
- Dimensions
- Image: 178 × 137 mm
- Collection
- Tate
- Acquisition
- Presented by Gilbert Dalziel 1924
- Reference
- N04018
Display caption
Hunt devoted his life to biblical art, yet this is the only work he produced for the Bible Gallery. The story of Eliezer and Rebekah is told in Genesis. Eliezer is sent by Abraham to find and bring back to Canaan a bride for Abraham’s son Isaac.
Hunt illustrates the moment when
Eliezer, who is resting from his travels, meets Rebekah. She offers him water and he at once realises that she is the woman ordained to be Isaac’s wife.
Hunt makes this evident from her beauty and the unbroken water jar, a symbol of her virginity.
Gallery label, November 2004
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