Eliëzer en Rebekka 1690 - 1764

Sebastiano Conca created this drawing, "Eliëzer en Rebekka," using pen and gray ink, portraying a biblical narrative popular during the 18th century. Conca, situated in the Italian late Baroque period, was influenced by the era's emphasis on dramatic storytelling and ornamental richness. Look closely at the figures—Eliëzer, identified by his beard, drinks deeply from a pitcher offered by Rebecca, while a child looks on. The scene is not merely an illustration, it is a negotiation of power, gender, and duty. Rebecca’s act of offering water is depicted as an act of servitude, yet it also positions her as a figure of generosity and virtue. The composition reveals a societal lens of the time, reflecting expectations of women and their roles in biblical stories. Conca invites us to consider the intersections of gender, class, and religious morality, prompting reflection on the values embedded within the narratives we inherit.