Judah and Tamar

The Old Testament story of Judah and Tamar is a popular subject in 17th-century Dutch painting, particularly in the Rembrandt school of painting.

Tamar is Judah's daughter-in-law and the widow of both his dead elder sons. According to ancient Jewish law, Tamar should now marry Judah's youngest son, but Judah refuses her right to do so. Tamar disguises herself, and when Judah feels drawn to the unknown young woman, he offers to marry her, and gives her his seal, cord and staff as a pledge.