Esau and Jacob

During the reign of Louis XIII, fashion, especially male dresses, played a very important role. This is reflected in both contemporary paintings and engravings. In Corneille’s Biblical scene the hunter Esau is addressing clever Jacob in a contemporary bourgeois home. It can be considered a costume study which underscores Esau’s elegant garb in the twin light coming from the open door and the glowing fire in the monumental fireplace.