Design for Watch Case: Rebecca at the Well, c. 1610-1656
Michel Le Blonexpand_more
Engravingexpand_more
Gift of Elizabeth, Julie, and Catherine Andrus in memory of John and Marion Andrusexpand_more 2015.93.132
Not on Viewexpand_more
The watch destined for this watchcase was probably unreliable: watches kept poor time until Dutch mathematician Christian Huygens invented the minute hand in 1675. In this scene, Abraham sends his servant Eleazer to find a wife for his son, Isaac. Appropriate for a timepiece, Eleazer comes to a well and waits, deciding that the woman who offers water to him and his camels will be Isaac’s bride (Genesis 24:10-20). The precision of Rebecca’s dress betrays Michel Le Blon’s training as a goldsmith.
Details
- Title
- Design for Watch Case: Rebecca at the Well
- Artist Life
- 1587 - 1656
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2015.93.132
- Provenance
- [Kate Ganz, London; sold to Andrus]; John E. Andrus III, Wayzata, Minn.; by descent to his daughters, Elizabeth, Katie, and Julie; gave to MIA, 2015. Earlier provenances have been gathered, but further research will increase our knowledge of their histories.
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Van der Kellen 154; Hollstein 154
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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