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Matthias Stom
(about 1600–after 1652)
Isaac Blessing Jacob
Sicily, about 1635
Oil on canvas
The old and blind Isaac summons his eldest son Esau to prepare his meal and receive a blessing. His wife Rebecca substitutes her favourite son Jacob, who wears goat-skin gloves in order to resemble his hairy brother. He steps forward whilst Rebecca gestures to us not to reveal the deception. The dog sniffing the meat indicates that the biblical story is also an allegory of the Senses – smell, taste, touch, hearing and sight.
Stom was born in the Netherlands, but lived mainly in Naples and Sicily. His style was based on that of Caravaggio (1571–1610) with its dramatic lighting, emotional directness and realistic figures.
Purchased 1994 with contributions from the National Art Collections Fund and the Museums and Galleries Commission/Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund (No. 94.2)