Antoine Joseph Bourlard, 1826 Mons, Belgien – 1899 ebenda
KAIN UND ABEL
Oil on canvas.
168 x 126 cm.
Signed "A. Bourlard" and dated "1846" at lower right.
In decorative gilt frame.

The portrait-format picture shows the two brothers in the middle of a mountainous landscape. The standing Cain, tied around his hips only with an animal skin, has already slain his brother. It depicts the moment when the fair-skinned Abel has sunk to the ground on a sheepskin and is just about to stretch his right hand upwards. With eyes wide open, Cain gazes in horror at the deed he has just done, pulling his hair with his right hand while the club is lying on the ground in front of him. According to the Bible, Cain, a farmer, was envious of his brother Abel the shepherd because God preferred his sacrifice. Angry about this, he performed this terrible act. Depiction in which Cain, tanned, with dark hair and a full beard, contrasts with the one already lying on the ground with light skin and dark blond hair. The bodies of the two brothers are accentuated by the special lighting. Painting with expressive faces; background held in monochrome colour. Small underlays and retouching on verso, damaged frames. (1220722) (18)


Antoine Joseph Bourlard,
1826 Mons, Belgium - 1899 ibid.
CAIN AND ABEL
Oil on canvas.
168 x 126 cm.
Signed "A. Bourlard" lower right and dated "1846".
In decorative frame applies.

The portrait format depiction shows the two brothers in a mountainous landscape. Cain is depicted standing with an animal for draped around his hips having just slain his brother. The direction of light emphasizes on the brothers' bodies. Painting with expressive faces. Small areas of relining on the reverse and retouches, damage to the frame.