Jacob and Rachel Leaving the House of Laban

This painting was commissioned for the Paris residence of the Duc d’Antin, Superintendent of Fine Arts under Louis XV. The project included two other canvases: one of similar dimensions, The Meeting of Jacob and Rachel at the Well, and the other of irregular shape, Hagar and Ishmael in the Desert. This painting depicts the biblical tale of Jacob, who falls in love with his cousin Rachel. Jacob agrees to serve Rachel’s father Laban for seven years in exchange for her hand in marriage. Natoire portrays Jacob and his bride at the long-awaited moment of their departure from Laban’s house, taking with them with the spoils of Jacob’s servitude.