Jacob gets Leah instead of Rachel
Watercolor and ink on paper, mounted under mat • European School, likely Scandinavian or Germanic, satirical or folk illustrator
Style & Movement
Caricature and Satirical Folk Art
Medium & Technique
Watercolor wash with pen and ink outlines on paper
Creation Period
19th Century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches visible image area, landscape format
Subject Description
A humorous narrative scene depicting the biblical story of Laban offering Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel, styled as a 19th-century theatrical caricature with exaggerated features and costumes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Paper shows age-appropriate toning, slight yellowing, and minor foxing spots.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Private collection, acquired from a European estate sale or antique auction.
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the 19th-century tradition of domestic satire and biblical caricature popular in European print culture and amateur watercolors.
Notable Features
Includes a handwritten script title in German or Swedish at the bottom margin reading 'Jacob får Lea istället för Rachel'.
Condition Issues
Toning and discoloration of the paper support due to age; potential acid migration from backing materials.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight, maintain stable relative humidity between 45-55%, and consider re-matting with acid-free museum-grade materials.