rembrandt, hands

25 Nov

Rembrandt: The Late Works

 

 

In the last room of the National Gallery’s ‘Rembrandt, The Last Works’ is his painting of Joseph, Potihar and Potiphar’s wife.

Joseph listens as she speak to her husband her story of ‘sport’ and betrayal. Their conversation is at the center of the painting. Off to the left Joseph in a corner prays. His left hand is raised, open, to heaven. Light comes to the curtain. It can only be His light.

 

Why did Rembrandt paint Joseph, Simeon and Lucretia with open hands?

All are in pray; asking for blessing; no longer waiting.

They are painting, painting with, in,  prayers.

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