Spain / c. 1665–70
Laban Searching for His Stolen Household Gods
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Laban Searching for His Stolen Household Gods as painting (Spain · c. 1665–70).
This story comes from the Old Testament book of Genesis and stresses the value of reconciliation. Jacob lived with his uncle Laban for years, marrying Laban’s daughters Rachel and Leah.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (Spanish, 1617–1682).
The museum's collection notes: This story comes from the Old Testament book of Genesis and stresses the value of reconciliation. Jacob lived with his uncle Laban for years, marrying Laban’s daughters Rachel and Leah. When the relationship between the men soured, Jacob and his family departed, while Rachel secretly stole her father’s household gods. When Laban discovered that the statues were missing, he pursued Jacob, accusing him of theft. Here, Jacob invites Laban to search his tent, while Rachel sits on the saddlebag containing the statues. After coming up empty-handed, Laban proposes a truce, ending the squabble.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtLaban Searching for His Stolen Household GodsOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.