This is one of the first known paintings by Rembrandt, the 17th century genius of the Dutch school. Its unusual subject is taken from the Old Testament.
Balaam was travelling to meet the Hebrews, who were then fleeing Egypt, to curse them. However, an angel appeared twice to his mount, turning it from its course. When the angel blocked the ass' path for a third time, Balaam whipped the animal, which in turn began speaking to him. The prophet, realising the miracle he is witnessing, sees the angel and ultimately decides to bless the Hebrew people three times. This subject illustrates God's love for humanity's salvation – a fundamental principle of the Protestant faith, which had prevailed in the Netherlands since the late 16th century. Rembrandt portrays Balaam's conversion in a refined style, characterised by a painstaking technique and sophisticated colour palette. Even then, he was already placing great emphasis on light, which later became a key element of his mature work, through the dramatic impact of chiaroscuro.