Matthias Stom (Stomer), Esau Sells Jacob His Birthright for a Bowl of Lentil Stew, Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed

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Matthias Stom (Stomer) (c. 1600, probably in Amersfoort – after 1645, Italy) Esau Sells Jacob His Birthright for a Bowl … Read more Matthias Stom (Stomer) (c. 1600, probably in Amersfoort – after 1645, Italy) Esau Sells Jacob His Birthright for a Bowl of Lentil Stew The composition of this painting (probably painted in the 18th century) is based on a copper engraving by Jeremias Falck dated 1663, which reproduced a well-known painting by Stom that had been reversed. It depicts the familiar Old Testament story (Gen. 25:31): The glow of an oil lamp illuminates the scene: Jacob is seated at the table while Esau, hungry, returns from hunting with a hare he has killed and offers him a bowl of food. The decisive moment is shown when he takes the bowl. Night scenes illuminated solely by an artificial light source with strong contrasts of light and dark (chiaroscuro) are a type of painting frequently used in the work of Stom, who was one of the Caravaggist painters. Due to its stylistic similarity, Stom's original painting of the Esau-Jacob scene was also previously attributed to Gerrit (Gerard) von Honthorst, with whom he may have studied in Utrecht. Stom created much of his work in Italy; there is evidence that he painted in Rome in 1630 and later traveled to Naples, Palermo, and Venice. Oil on canvas; 97.5 cm x 134 cm. Framed. According to Matthias Stom (circa 1600–1645). Probably painted in the 18th century. Oil on canvas, coated. See less