The Laughter of Rabbi Akiva by Dennis Bacchus

This painting depicts a scene from the life of Rabbi Akiva described in Midrash. But to me, it is also ​a story of hope, foresight and deception in times of the Jewish-Roman Wars. The ruins depicted above transform into visions of the future, according to the prophesies interpreted by Rabbi Akiva. Red poppies depicted among marble ruins below, hint at the tragic aftermath of Bar Kokhba revolt, actively supported by Rabbi Akiva.