Description
A rectangular picture showing in the centre and right a group of
four women and a boy at a well beside a rocky embankment overhung
with a tree branch. The central figure of this group holds a jar,
while the two women on her left, one standing and one seated, hold
a skein and ball of wool. The women look towards the viewer's left
at two further figures. The boy fills a vessel from the well spout,
a sheep beside his knee. On the left are a man and boy in traveller's
dress, the man with his left hand on a walking stick and his right
hand held towards the women. The boy stands with his right hand
on a walking stick. All are in Italian peasant attire.
Commentary
This scene could be interpreted as the Biblical allegory, Rebecca
at the Well. Abraham sends his servant Eliezer to look for a suitable
bride for his son Isaac. When Eliezer reaches Nahor in Chaldea,
he prays that whoever gives his camels water at the well will be
the eligible woman. At the well he meets Rebecca, who offers to
let him drink from her jar. Rebecca is usually depicted among a
group of women giving Eliezar water, or being addressed by him.
The sheep's presence may be a reference to Christ, since the story
is regarded as a prefiguration of the Annunciation.
the
Gilbert silver