Incontro di Rebecca ed Eleazaro al pozzo
Historical Context
The Meeting of Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well, painted around 1720 and now in the Art Collections of Fondazione Cariplo in Milan, depicts the Old Testament episode where Abraham's servant Eliezer meets Rebecca at a well in Mesopotamia — a providential encounter that would lead to her marriage with Isaac and her entry into the lineage of Israel. The well as a meeting place in biblical narrative appears repeatedly, from this patriarchal story through Jacob and Rachel to the New Testament encounter of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Tiepolo's early treatment of this narrative demonstrates his developing skill in multi-figure outdoor biblical scenes. The Fondazione Cariplo, the charitable foundation established by one of Italy's major banks, holds this and other important Italian old masters as part of its cultural heritage mission.
Technical Analysis
The painting showcases Giovanni Battista Tiepolo's dramatic foreshortening, with luminous palette lending the work its distinctive character. The palette and brushwork are calibrated to serve the subject matter, demonstrating the technical command expected of a work from this period.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice Abraham's servant Eliezer discovering the future bride for Isaac at the well — an Old Testament scene of destiny and divine providence.
- ◆Look at the dramatic foreshortening and luminous palette in this early 1720 treatment at the Fondazione Cariplo.
- ◆Observe Tiepolo's developing talent for biblical narrative, with the well scene providing a natural compositional focal point.
