Jacob Keeping Laban's Flock 1866

Gustave Doré’s 1866 wood engraving, "Jacob Keeping Laban's Flock," depicts a scene from the Book of Genesis, in which Jacob uses a clever trick to increase his own flock of sheep. This biblical story is often used to symbolize the importance of resourcefulness and cunning in achieving one's goals, themes that Doré expertly captures in his dramatic illustration. The etching is marked by a powerful contrast of light and dark, highlighting the figures of Jacob and Laban as they oversee the flock. Doré’s highly detailed style, characterized by meticulously rendered figures and landscapes, was popular in the 19th century, making this print a fine example of the era’s illustrative art.