Northern Italian School, Biblical Scene, 17th Century, Oil on Canvas

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Oil on canvas. Northern Italian school of the 17th century. The scene depicts the biblical episode taken from the First … Read more Oil on canvas. Northern Italian school of the 17th century. The scene depicts the biblical episode taken from the First Book of Samuel which tells thus: 'Now when the bad spirit permitted by God attacked Saul, David took the harp and began to play; Saul felt relieved, he was better, and the bad spirit went away from him. 'In the painting the figures appear powerful and vigorous, both King Saul and the guards who hold him, depicted in a tangle of figures that takes up the whole part left of the scene; on the right is David, who, although a young and simple shepherd, remains calm in front of the furious king, playing his instrument with dignity and firmness. In the background on the right, in a corridor of the palace, the dismayed priests and councilors attend the dinner of the king. On the frame of the painting there is a plaque attributing to Bernardo Strozzi. The painting, restored and relined in the mid-20th century, is placed in a gilded frame in style. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less