‘Isaac Blessing Jacob,’ by Edward Armitage

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Isaac Blessing Jacob

Edward Armitage

Circa 1863, but not published until 1880–81

Proof wood engraving cut by the Dalziel Brothers, printed on India paper

8½ x inches

Plate 14. Armitage depicts the moment in Genesis 27: 18–29, when the blind Isaac is deceived by his son Jacob, and blesses him while thinking him to be Esau; Rebekah looks on. [Commentary continues below.]

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Armitage preserves the significant details – notably the animal fur worn by Jacob, which Isaac associates with Esau – and also creates some of the ambiguity of the scene: Isaac’s gesture is one of paternal love, but we know that it is a moment of deception. Armitage endows Jacob and Rebekah with slightly rueful expressions and Rebekah raises her finger to her chin in a gesture of uncertainty.

Bibliography

Dalziels’ Bible Gallery. London: Routledge, 1881 [1880].

Created 14 July 2026