Isaac Blesses Jacob

5th century, with medieval and modern restorations
Mosaic
Nave, Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

In the upper register, Isaac on his deathbed gives his blessing to the son who he thinks is Esau, but who is actually Jacob. Rebecca, who managed the ruse, stands to the right in a red wrap. Entering from the right is Esau, who in the (damaged) lower image asks for his blessing. See Genesis 27:1-42.

This is part of the extensive series of Old Testament scenes portrayed in mosaics along the two walls of the nave. Follow this link for links to the others.

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Photographed at the basilica by Richard Stracke, shared under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license.