Inspired by Genesis 26, my painting tells the story of Isaac and Rebekah: a couple facing famine, fear, and the test of trust under Philistine King Abimelech. Isaac, afraid for his safety because of Rebekah’s beauty, claims she’s his sister—as Abraham once did with Sarah. When Abimelech discovers the truth, he protects them instead of punishing them. I wanted to capture Rebekah’s relief and lingering doubts, making her the heart of the painting. The concept for this work took over a decade to come to fruition, inspired by a Rembrandt 1662 sketch of this tense biblical moment, a scene that may have inspired his own ‘Jewish Bride.’ My interpretation was completed this year.
