Jael Killing Sisera

Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1658 - c. 1659

After suffering a crushing defeat against the Israelites, the Canaanite army general Sisera imagined he was safe in the tent of the Jewish Jael. However, as soon as he fell asleep, she killed him, driving a tent peg through his head. Rembrandt portrayed a determined Jael who does not doubt the necessity of her deed. Hanging casually from a chair, Sisera’s helmet underscores his naivety.

  • Artwork typedrawing
  • Object numberRP-T-1930-8
  • Dimensionsheight 192 mm x width 174 mm
  • Physical characteristicspen and brown ink, with opaque white; framing lines in black ink over brown ink