The Meeting of Jacob and Rebecca, and Isaac Blessing Jacob, from The Story of Jacob 1560 - 1568

This tapestry, conceived by Jan van Tiegen, captures scenes from the story of Jacob, rich in symbolism and biblical significance. Dominating the foreground, we see Jacob kneeling, his hands outstretched towards Rebecca as she extends a garment to him. The sheep at Jacob’s side are a symbol deeply intertwined with religious narratives, evoking ideas of sacrifice, innocence, and divine care. Consider how the lamb appears in earlier mythologies as the Golden Fleece or how it evolved into Christian iconography as a symbol of Christ. Notice the dynamic pose of Jacob, the active figure, in contrast to the calm and more static representation of Rebecca. The tapestry weaves together themes of deception, blessing, and destiny, and the viewer is drawn into the emotional intensity of the moment. The enduring symbol of the lamb continues to evolve, mirroring our collective search for meaning and connection across the ages.