(1607 – Antwerpen – 1678)

attributed to Esau  selling his birthright to Jacob (Lentil Stew)

Oil on panel, 50,2 x 63,8 cm

Price: 18.000 €

In Genesis, Esau returned to his twin brother Jacob, famished from the fields. He begs Jacob to give him some „red pottage“. Jacob offers Esau a bowl of lentil stew in exchange for Esau’s birthright ( the right to be recognized as firstborn son with authority over the family), and Esau agrees. Thus Jacob acquires Esau’s birthright.

This subject is rare in 17^th Century Flemish Painting. Stylistically the painting can be attributed Erasmus Quellinus.