Rebekka laaft Eliëzer (?) 1865 - 1930

Jac van Looij made this drawing in muted tones of Rebecca giving Eliezer a drink, illustrating a biblical story laden with symbols of hospitality, destiny and divine choice. The offering of water, simple as it seems, echoes across time. Think of the ancient Greek symposium, where wine was shared in rituals of fellowship, or the Christian Eucharist, where wine symbolizes spiritual communion. In van Looij’s depiction, Rebecca’s act transcends mere kindness. It embodies a deeper covenant, resonating with the symbolic importance of water as a life-giving force present in countless myths and rituals. It is the moment of recognition, a pre-ordained encounter. Consider the veil, a ubiquitous symbol in art history. Here, it hints at modesty and the sacred nature of the encounter, but also veils deeper truths. This drawing is not merely an illustration, but a potent symbol of enduring human themes. The image reminds us that these stories continue to resonate, shaping our understanding of ourselves and our world.