Jael, Deborah, and Barak
Artist
Salomon de Bray
(Dutch, 1597 - 1664)
Dateca. 1630
Object number59.0125
Mediumoil on panel
Dimensions35 1/4 × 27 1/2 in. (89.5 × 69.9 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineMuseo de Arte de Ponce. The Luis A. Ferré Foundation, Inc.
Collections
DescriptionReligion had its place in the Dutch scheme of things, but that place was clearly defined and limited. Within a new eminently rational social system, the Church fulfilled the functions that corresponded to it. Fostering enthusiasm or ecstasy was not among them. Although there was no official place for religious painting, Biblical themes abounded in Dutch art. However, these were intended for contemplation rather than worship. The painted stories of the Bible were generally small in scale and characterized by romantic settings and extravagant costumes. The story represented here is taken from the Old Testament Book of Judges. Barak, the general of Israel, with the help of an old prophetess named Deborah, defeated the army of Sisera, who served the king of Canaan. Sisera escaped and took refuge in the tent of Jael, who, when he fell asleep, plunged a stake into his temple to save Israel from enemy troops. At that moment, Jael became an instrument of God, a classic Old Testament heroine defending the chosen people.
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