Maarten De Vos and Aegidius Sadeler II, The Story of Saul and David, Burin Engraving on Paper, Framed

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Maarten de vos (1532–1603) - aegidius sadeler ii (1570-1629) - the story of saul and david (british museum). Saul throws … Read more Maarten de vos (1532–1603) - aegidius sadeler ii (1570-1629) - the story of saul and david (british museum). Saul throws the spear against david - the composition has been identified with a high degree of certainty as an engraving from the series the story of saul and david, conceived by maarten de vos and engraved by aegidius sadeler ii. Title: saul throws the spear against david. Series: the story of saul and david. Engraver: aegidius sadeler ii (antwerp, c. 1570–prague, 1629). Original composition: maarten de vos (antwerp, 1532–1603). Publisher: jan sadeler i (1550–1600).

date of the original model: approximately 1580–1590. Country/school: flanders - flemish school. Technique: burin engraving on paper. Visible dimensions: 17 × 29 cm. Dimensions with frame: 35 × 46.5 cm. Orientation: horizontal. Style: renaissance. The british museum preserves a copy of the same composition, identifying aegidius sadeler ii as the engraver, maarten de vos as the illustrator, and jan sadeler i as the publisher. The institution dates the engraving to 1580–1590 and classifies it as belonging to the flemish school. British museum - the story of saul and david. This is a work of late flemish renaissance, with mannerist characteristics. A biblical scene of great dramatic intensity, set in the monumental interior of king saul's palace. The monarch is seated on a high throne, holding or preparing to throw a spear at david, who flees to the left. Several soldiers and courtiers try to restrain saul, grabbing his arms and attempting to prevent the attack. Other figures react with gestures of astonishment and fear, reinforcing the movement and tension of the narrative. David appears, quickly moving away from the king's presence. The scene depicts the episode in which saul, overcome by jealousy and disturbance, attempts to strike david while he was playing the harp to calm him. The event is recounted in the first book of samuel. The palatial setting is defined by classical architecture, columns, arcades, staircases, and a monumental throne draped in curtains. The composition uses sharp diagonals, theatrical gestures, and a dynamic distribution of characters, characteristic of maarten de vos's mannerist style.

the engraving work is meticulous, using parallel and intersecting lines to construct shadows, volume, fabrics, architecture, and facial expressions. Authenticity and dating of the copy - the composition corresponds to the documented 16th-century engraving. The engraving is mounted in such a way that the margins and any lower inscriptions are hidden by the passe-partout. These inscriptions would definitively confirm the engraver, the publisher, the state of the matrix, and the antiquity of the print. The indicated visible dimension is smaller than the total dimension of the engraving because part of it is hidden. State of conservation - generalized yellowing of the paper; minor blemishes and signs of foxing; obscuring of the edges; slight waviness or irregularity of the substrate; print appears sharp and detailed; no significant tears visible in the exposed area; gilt bezel with scratches, wear and minor losses; closed back. See less