Journey of Jacob and Rachel to the land of Canaan, Rachel directs a horse towards the left, various other animals follow 1638 - 1648

Stefano della Bella created this etching, "Journey of Jacob and Rachel to the land of Canaan," in the 17th century. The composition, dominated by a procession moving from right to left, immediately draws our eye into a narrative flow. Della Bella employs delicate, precise lines to delineate the figures of Rachel, Jacob, their family, and livestock. The artist’s use of hatching and cross-hatching not only defines form but also suggests movement and texture, animating the scene with a lively energy. This technique echoes the dynamism found in contemporary Baroque painting, yet rendered with the precision of printmaking. The overall design engages with semiotic codes familiar in religious art. The journey itself can be interpreted as a metaphor for spiritual passage. By carefully examining the visual structure, we can see how this small print reflects larger cultural narratives. The direction and movement indicated by the figures is not merely aesthetic but symbolic, suggesting a purposeful transition.