The Meeting of Jacob And Rachel at the Well

"The Meeting of Jacob And Rachel at the Well" is a profound biblical study by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating from the period of 1640-1649. This classification as a Drawing demonstrates Rembrandt's fluid approach to narrative and composition, utilizing pen and brown ink alongside brush and brown wash. The skillful application of heightened white gouache provides luminous accents, suggesting the dramatic chiaroscuro often associated with the master’s painted works of the Dutch Golden Age. A careful framing line in pen and brown ink completes the presentation, focusing the viewer’s attention on the crucial moment of encounter.

The scene illustrates the pivotal Old Testament event where Jacob first meets his cousin Rachel, who has arrived at the well with her father Laban’s flock. Rembrandt captures the immediate exchange between the young women and the man, surrounded by pastoral details. The background is populated with grazing cows and goats, while sheltering trees define the rustic setting. Though rapidly executed, the composition is highly effective in conveying emotion and establishing the setting for Jacob's subsequent life in Haran. The sensitivity of the line work confirms why many later artists sought to emulate Rembrandt's unparalleled skill in this medium. This significant work resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and its status means high-quality reference prints are often made available through public domain archives for scholarly study.