Ruth and Boaz

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Ruth and Boaz
1661
Gerbrand van den Eeckhout

Eeckhout's representation of the Old Testament story relating the encounter between the young and poor widow Ruth and the wealthy Jew Boaz, during which she wins his affections, is achieved by the rhythmic alternation of partial lights and shadows, highlighting the figures against the landscape in the background. The lavishly dressed Boaz with a turban on his head stands on the right, shown in profile; a young farmer holding a cap is in the middle, while Ruth kneels before Boaz in profile, her hands clasped in prayer.