Three Oriental Figures (Jacob and Laban?)

Three Oriental Figures (Jacob and Laban?) is a compelling etching created by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669 in 1641. This print exemplifies the masterful approach to graphic arts that characterized the Dutch Golden Age. Produced in the Netherlands, this type of easily reproducible artwork allowed the artist widespread dissemination of his imagery across Europe, establishing his reputation as a formidable printmaker.

The work depicts three heavily draped figures whose detailed attire suggests a Middle Eastern or ‘Oriental’ origin, reflecting a contemporary European interest in detailed costume studies and tronies. The tentative association with the biblical story of Jacob and Laban places the scene within the Old Testament narrative, where Jacob sought refuge and service with his uncle Laban.

Executed on paper, the complexity of the scene relies heavily on Rembrandt's delicate handling of the etching needle. He employed fine lines and dense cross-hatching to achieve deep, rich shadows and soft transitions of light, demonstrating his command over chiaroscuro even in a small-scale format. The 1606-1669 master captured significant psychological depth and dramatic tension in the figures, visible in the careful delineation of their expressive faces beneath heavy turbans and flowing robes. This masterful example of 17th-century printmaking, Three Oriental Figures (Jacob and Laban?), is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Thanks to the legacy of this prolific artist, many of his historical prints and etchings from this period are now widely studied and available through public domain art initiatives.