LATE 17TH EARLY 18TH CENTURY

The scene depicted is that of the meeting between Jacob and his twin brother Esau after Jacob's long journey. Jacob had contrived Esau's blessing from his father Isaac who was nearly blind. Isaac had sent out Esau to hunt venison and bring it cooked to him to receive his blessing. Jacob's mother overheard the conversation and instigated Jacob to take his place. She cooked a meal and covered Jacob's hands and neck with goatskin, for Esau was a hairy man, and dressed him in Esau's clothes. Isaac thus blessed Jacob who had to flee from his brother's wrath taking refuge with his uncle Laban. Jacob fell in love with Laban's daughter Rachel and asked for her hand. She was promised to him if he would work seven years for Laban, which he did. After the seven years, however, Laban substituted Rachel for her rheumy-eyed sister Leah and demanded another seven years before he could marry Rachel. After further seven years he was finally allowed to marry Rachel and take all of Laban's speckled and parti-coloured sheep and goats. Jacob cunningly increased that number by feeding the animals special food. When he finally left he sent the best of his herd ahead to Esau as peace offering. In this tapestry Jacob is seen with his family and herd meeting Esau in armour and his soldiers.