Rachel 1588 - 1597

This engraving titled, *Rachel*, was created by Jan Collaert II, around the late 16th or early 17th century. The composition centres on Rachel, who stands tall, her form rendered through meticulous lines that define the contours of her figure. The texture created by the engraving technique gives a tactile quality to the scene. Rachel is depicted with a resolute gaze. She holds a staff and a vessel. The architectural elements in the background, rendered with a precise linear perspective, create a backdrop that contrasts with the pastoral scene on the right. The structural clarity and deliberate arrangement of elements invite interpretation through semiotic analysis. Each element, such as the staff and vessel, acts as a sign, contributing to a broader narrative about Rachel’s identity and role. The interplay between the classical and pastoral motifs could challenge fixed meanings, inviting viewers to engage with new ways of thinking about representation and meaning.