Jacob Wrestling with the Angel c. 1659

Rembrandt van Rijn’s “Jacob Wrestling with the Angel,” created around 1659, depicts a dramatic scene from the Book of Genesis. The painting shows Jacob, a patriarch in the Bible, struggling with an angel. Rembrandt’s use of chiaroscuro, with stark contrasts of light and shadow, highlights the intensity of the struggle. The figures are deeply engaged in a physical and spiritual contest, making this a pivotal moment in Jacob's life. The artist's signature, “Rembrandt f,” appears in the lower right corner. This artwork is a prime example of Rembrandt’s mastery of light and shadow, and his ability to capture the emotions and intensity of a religious story.