Judah and Tamar

Artist Pieter Pietersz. Lastman (Dutch, 1583–1633)

MediumEtching on laid paper

DimensionsImage/Sheet: 8 1/2 × 7 inches (21.6 × 17.8 cm)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineAcquired through the Herbert F. Johnson, Class of 1922, Endowment

Terms

Etching
Allegory
Hats
Judah
Love
Old Testament
Plants
Tamar
Trees
laid

Object number84.041.004

Label CopyThe assertive Tamar is a notable character in the Torah for her loyalty to family in her effort to bear a child in Judah’s line. Tamar had been married to Judah’s two oldest sons, but never produced an heir because both sons were divinely killed for wickedness. Judah blamed Tamar for his sons’ deaths and ensured that she cannot remarry. Tamar ultimately deceives Judah into impregnating her and gives birth to two sons. —Rayna Klugherz ’23