3-102-291 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Jacob Blessing the Sons of Joseph', (detail), 1656, (1967). Biblical scene: Jacob, in his old age, 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. There is great human understanding in the treatment of Jacob's older, dark-haired grandson who is being slighted. His face looks at us from shadow, and expresses surprise and grief over the unjust humiliation inflicted on him. And how strongly is the light concentrated on the other grandson, who kneels closer to the beholder, his hands devoutly crossed on his chest. Painting in the Gemäldegalerie, Kassel. From "Rembrandt" by Ludwig Münz and Bob Haak, [Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York, 1967]