David & Abigail, Oil Painting, 1800s, Framed

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The painting, made in oil on canvas, depicts the meeting between King David and Abigail, as narrated in the biblical … Read more The painting, made in oil on canvas, depicts the meeting between King David and Abigail, as narrated in the biblical text of the First Book of Samuel (I Samuel 25, 1-34). David, left without food in the desert with his army, asks for help from the rich Nabal, who contemptuously denies him any help, unaware of the benevolence previously received from the king. Upon hearing the refusal, the sovereign intends to take revenge by killing his entire lineage. Abigail, Nabal's beautiful and wise wife, decides to right the wrong and bring David plenty of food and gifts. In the presence of the king the woman humbles herself, gaining his forgiveness and benevolence. Shortly afterwards, she was widowed and became his bride. The large scene describes the culmination of the Old Testament episode, the moment in which the woman prostrates herself before David and his servants prepare to deliver the gifts. The biblical event is here a pretext, as is the custom of painting in the modern age, to stage the colorful of a sumptuous procession, which can be divided into two parts, almost two wings of crowds distributed mirrorwise: on the left David with his dignitaries and the army; on the other, Abigail's retinue, the handmaids, the servants who lead the dromedaries and the donkeys loaded with food. The crowded group of figures is placed in a natural proscenium: above a low horizon, barely hinted at by distant blue mountains, a steep rocky cliff rises on the left side, the shelter of the army led by the sovereign. 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



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