Haya and Jordan, Brotherly Love, 2010

Peter Paul Rubens, Cain Slaying Abel, 1608-09

We chose this painting because there is a good story to animate, and the artist depicted a lot of movement. Based on the biblical story of Cain and Abel, we felt this painting explores a timeless and universal theme. We focused on this story, and the anger expressed by the brother’s jealous rage. Technically, we were drawn to Rubens’ painting style, which makes the movement very dramatic by the use of diagonals and over exaggerated muscles of the figures.

Inspired by:

Peter Paul Rubens, Cain Slaying Abel, 1608-09

Peter Paul Rubens, Cain Slaying Abel, 1608-09

Cain and Abel were the two eldest sons of Adam and Eve. Both made offerings to God but when Cain’s sacrifice was rejected he killed his brother in a jealous rage. In this early painting by Rubens, the figures are still heavily influenced by the artist’s experience in Italy, particularly his study of the sculpture of classical antiquity and the work of Michelangelo.