Plaque depicting Jacob choosing Rachel to be his Bride

This plaque was made at the Alcora Ceramic Factory, located near the Spanish city of Valencia. Alcora specialized in producing faience (tin-glazed earthenware) and created various finely molded and intricately decorated plaques. This example is one of the largest of its kind. Featuring an elaborate frame with scroll and leaf elements, the central depiction is skillfully rendered in shades of yellow, green, and blue enamel. The image is based on a painting by the Italian artist Jacopo Amigoni (1675-1752) and, at Alcora, was likely inspired by a print of the composition published by the German Joseph Wagner (1706-1780). Although the Latin inscription on the base identifies the figures as the biblical Rachel and Jacob, the scene actually portrays the encounter of Rebecca and Eliezer. The latter was sent by Abraham to find a bride for his son, Isaac. During Eliezar’s journey, Rebecca provides water from a well for him and his camels. Impressed by her kindness, Eliezer gives her jewelry, foreshadowing her future as Isaac's wife.