“Isaac Feels Jacob as Rebekah” is a religious painting by James Tissot, a prominent figure in the Symbolism art movement. The artwork depicts a scene of profound biblical significance, visually narrating an episode from the Hebrew Bible where Isaac, the patriarch, mistakenly blesses his son Jacob, believing him to be Esau, due to the intervention of Rebekah.
The artwork captures the moment with symbolic intensity and dramatic presence. Isaac is portrayed seated on a bed with a dignified demeanor, his eyes seemingly clouded with age. Jacob, covered in animal skins to mimic his brother Esau’s hairy appearance, kneels before Isaac. Rebekah stands nearby, observing the interaction with a mixture of anxiety and attentiveness. The composition and use of chiaroscuro technique enhance the tension and emotional gravity of the moment, conveying the essence of deception and parental affection intertwined. The draped fabrics, detailed clothing, and thoughtful expressions contribute to the poignancy and depth characteristic of Tissot’s religious paintings.
