Izaäk zegent Jakob 1754 - 1821

Cornelia Muys created this print, Izaäk zegent Jakob, in the Netherlands in the late 18th century. Muys was working in a time when art was still largely determined by the institutions of church and state. This image reflects the biblical story of Isaac blessing Jacob. The blessing of the firstborn son was very important in that culture. It ensured not just inheritance but God’s favor for the future of the family. Jacob, assisted by his mother Rebekah, deceives his blind father Isaac into giving him the blessing instead of his older brother Esau. Muys’ image creates meaning through cultural references and historical associations, highlighting how social status was passed down through family lines in 18th century Dutch society. Isaac’s blessing, as depicted in the image, not only has religious implications, but also comments on power dynamics within the family structure. To better understand Muys’ choices, we would want to know more about the status of women artists within the institutions of her day. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context, and we need to look at these factors in order to see how it functions.