Jacob and Laban Divide The Flock

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

In the upper register Jacob asks to be paid for his services. In the lower register he and Laban divide the flock: the pure white animals for Laban, and the speckle, spotted, or black ones for Jacob. See Genesis 39:25-45 (cached).

This is part of the extensive series of Old Testament scenes portrayed in mosaics along the two walls of the nave. Click here for links to several of the others.

More of Jacob

Photographed at the site by Richard Stracke