Jacob's Dream

Jacob’s Dream by Anonymous Artist; Rembrandt van Rijn is a compelling drawing executed in pen and brown ink with gray wash on laid paper. Dating to the period between 1606 and 1669, and specifically reflecting the artistic trends prominent in the years 1601 to 1650, this work exemplifies the dramatic handling of light and shadow characteristic of Dutch draftsmanship during the Golden Age.

The piece illustrates the biblical narrative from Genesis 28, where Jacob, fleeing his brother Esau, dreams of a ladder ascending to heaven, with angels traversing its steps and God promising protection and posterity. The drawing employs the gray wash sparingly yet effectively, suggesting a celestial light source focused on the figure of Jacob sleeping at the base of the ladder and emphasizing the ethereal nature of the vision. This technical approach underscores the emotional weight and spiritual intensity of the scene.

While the authorship remains debated and the cultural origin is formally classified as Unknown, the work is stylistically linked to Rijn's inner circle or school, demonstrating an intimate understanding of the master’s compositional methods. The ambiguous attribution regarding the precise identity of the artist, listed as an Anonymous Artist yet closely associated with Rijn, highlights the difficulties inherent in attributing works created within a busy 17th-century workshop environment.

This significant drawing is maintained in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its age and stature, the image often falls into the public domain, making high-quality prints and digital reproductions accessible for scholarly study and general enjoyment. The work serves as a valuable document of how central biblical subjects were translated into intimate, yet powerful, drawn forms during the era of Rijn.