Lauri was born in Rome of a Flemish father; his work combines idealised Italianate figures with a Northern style of landscape. The subject in this case is the biblical story of Jacob setting out on a long journey with his wives, children, camels and herds. Painting and frame created in 1686 for the Marchese Pallavicini. Acquired in 1747 – 9 by Frederick, Prince of Wales Cat. 128