Ruth and Boaz by Gustave Doré, Ruth 2, Bible.Gallery
Ruth and Boaz is a engraving painting by Gustave Doré (1832–1883). it depicts the biblical scene from Ruth 2.
Artwork Description
This scene captures a moment shortly after the two women had returned to Bethlehem. Naomi had come back, as she had described, "empty" – devoid of friends and resources. In her dire circumstances, Ruth, being the younger and more capable of enduring toil, suggested gleaning in the harvest fields to secure sustenance. Naomi agreed, and the young stranger ventured out to collect the leftover grains, following the benevolent law of Israel (Lev. xxiii. 22; Deut. xxiv. 19) that provided for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. A guiding hand of Providence led her to the field of a wealthy and influential citizen, who happened to be a distant relative of her late husband.
While Ruth toiled, the landowner, Boaz, visited the reapers and exchanged warm greetings that carried deeper meaning, with him saying, "The Lord be with you!" and their reply, "The Lord bless thee!" However, Boaz soon noticed a newcomer among the reapers, a figure distinguished by her appearance and demeanor as a stranger. Inquiring of the overseer, he not only learned her name and background but also heard of her exemplary conduct and diligence. She had been tirelessly laboring in the field since morning. Boaz recalled the story, which he must have heard, of the young Moabitess who had forsaken her home and family to join Naomi and adopt Naomi's God. It is this significant encounter that the artist has chosen to depict.
In the foreground, the lovely maiden stoops to gather the scattered stalks, while the reapers carry away their bundles. Boaz stands nearby, conversing with the overseer. In the background, we see the camels that comprised the train of this wealthy landowner. The outcome of this meeting mirrored its auspicious beginning. Boaz not only permitted Ruth to continue gleaning in his fields but also instructed her not to go elsewhere. He even directed the young men to treat her with courtesy and occasionally leave gleanings from the bundles for her. Ultimately, as history records, Boaz and Ruth were joined in matrimony, becoming ancestors of our Lord. Although one was of Moabite lineage, it is doubtful whether the entire tribe of Judah could produce a more worthy couple to receive such an honor, each of them exemplifying every facet of social and domestic virtue.