Rebecca and the Servant of Abraham c. 18th century

Editor: So, this is Giovanni Volpato’s engraving, "Rebecca and the Servant of Abraham." It feels so staged, theatrical almost. What's your read on it? Curator: Staged, yes, in the best possible way! Notice the balletic gestures, the carefully arranged figures, the parasol held just so. The whole scene is a performance of piety and impending destiny. Does it remind you of anything? Editor: Hmm, it’s almost like a Renaissance painting? Curator: Absolutely! Volpato is channeling that sense of grandeur and importance. He uses line work, light and shadow to really pump up the drama. What a moment! What do you make of the expressions of the figures? Editor: It really highlights the narrative quality, and it makes me rethink my initial reaction.