3-102-290 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Jacob Blessing the Sons of Joseph', 1656, (1967). Biblical scene: Jacob is here represented in his old age, as he blesses Joseph's sons, the older one by his Jewish wife, and the younger by his Egyptian wife Astanath. According to Christian legend, Joseph's younger son symbolizes the future Christian faith. The almost blind enfeebled patriarch has unwittingly placed his hand on the head of his younger grandson, while Joseph carefully tries to guide his aged father's hand toward the older boy, who is actually entitled to the blessing. Astinath, the mother of the unjustly chosen boy, is deeply moved and looks on quietly. Painting in the Gemäldegalerie, Kassel. From "Rembrandt" by Ludwig Münz and Bob Haak, [Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York, 1967]