Tobias and the Angel
38 3/4 x 52 1/2 in. (98.4 x 133.4 cm)
Gerard de Lairesse
Netherlands
(1641 - 1711)
co-artist
Jan Glauber
Netherlands
(1646 - 1726)
Object Type:
Painting
Medium and Support:
Oil on canvas
Credit Line:
Given in memory of Irene Comfort Jones by her husband, Robcliff V. Jones
Accession Number:
1970.43
Location: Currently on view
Although the figures in this idealized pastoral landscape seem almost incidental to the painting, they represent the biblical story of Tobias and the Angel. The angel Raphael tells Tobias that he is destined to marry Sara, even though each of her previous seven husbands had died by the hand of an evil spirit on their wedding night. When Tobias survived the marriage, his new father-in-law was so elated that he gave Tobias half his wealth, including money, servants, farm animals and household possessions. This painting shows the angel Raphael guiding the joyful Tobias with Sara and his newfound riches along a winding road as they journey safely home.
Jan Glauber, one of the most widely traveled of all Dutch painters, specialized in landscapes that were influenced by his visits to France and Italy. This painting was probably intended to decorate a private home.
[Gallery label text]