['Abraham caressing Isaac', 'Jacob caressing Benjamin'] c. 1637

Editor: This is "Abraham caressing Isaac," also sometimes referred to as "Jacob caressing Benjamin," an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn from around 1637. The figures seem bathed in an almost ethereal light. What can you tell us about this intimate portrayal? Curator: This print offers us an interesting lens through which to view Rembrandt's understanding of masculinity and the patriarchy in 17th century Netherlands. We see an older man, presumably Abraham or Jacob, embracing a child. Given the sociopolitical context, where patriarchal structures heavily influenced daily life, this portrayal of tenderness becomes a space to investigate how power dynamics and familial bonds intersect. What do you make of the expressions on their faces? Editor: There's a definite sense of quiet comfort, maybe even vulnerability. It contrasts with what I typically expect from depictions of older men at the time. Curator: Exactly. By portraying these biblical figures with such softness, Rembrandt subtly challenges prevailing notions of stoic masculinity. This was also a time when debates around religious and secular authority were reshaping Dutch society. Might this image subtly question traditional hierarchies by focusing on empathy and intimate connection? Editor: It’s compelling to think about this artwork engaging with debates happening in Dutch society at the time, I didn’t know it was produced in multiple versions. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. This work is not simply an illustration of a biblical story; it is a point of dialogue, an early commentary, on the changing cultural landscape, highlighting tensions between religious dogma and evolving social sensibilities regarding the power of love, trust, and kinship between men of different generations.