Jacob Blessed by Isaac 1562 - 1572

This is a 16th-century silver plate, depicting Jacob blessed by Isaac, crafted by the artist known only as P.M. It presents a scene rife with familial tension and deception. Jacob, guided by his mother Rebecca, cunningly receives the blessing meant for his brother Esau, highlighting a narrative of identity theft and manipulated inheritance. The choice of silver, a precious metal, underscores the wealth and social standing of those who likely commissioned and used such objects. The story of Jacob and Esau has often been interpreted through a lens of ethnic and religious identity, with Jacob representing the lineage of Israel. This plate invites us to consider how biblical stories were deployed to reinforce social hierarchies and power dynamics during the Renaissance. At the heart of the scene is the vulnerability of Isaac and the ambition of Rebecca, as the plate offers a moment to reflect on the complex negotiation of identity.