Artwork

Ahimelech Giving the Sword of Goliath to David

Ahimelech Giving the Sword of Goliath to David, by Arent de Gelder, oil, 1690
Ahimelech Giving the Sword of Goliath to David, by Arent de Gelder, oil, 1690

Ahimelech Giving the Sword of Goliath to David is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Arent de Gelder. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum.

About this work

Overview

Ahimelech Giving the Sword of Goliath to David is a 1690 oil painting by Arent de Gelder, a Dutch artist known for extending Rembrandt's late style into the 18th century. The work is part of the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates a biblical moment where Ahimelech hands David the sword of Goliath. The scene conveys a symbolic transfer of power and faith, set in a simple, dimly lit interior with a stone wall backdrop.

Technique & Style

De Gelder employed chiaroscuro, a technique emphasizing strong light-dark contrasts, to create three-dimensional depth and emphasize the figures. The style reflects the Dutch Golden Age tradition, with de Gelder being a singular figure in maintaining Rembrandt's late stylistic elements.

History & Provenance

Created in 1690, the painting's history prior to its acquisition by the J. Paul Getty Museum is not detailed here. It is notable as a continuation of Rembrandt's influence into the next century.

Context

The work contextualizes de Gelder's place within the Dutch Golden Age, highlighting his unique role in prolonging Rembrandt's stylistic legacy amidst the evolving artistic landscape of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Legacy

Ahimelech Giving the Sword of Goliath to David contributes to the understanding of how Rembrandt's late style influenced subsequent generations, with de Gelder's work standing as a bridge between the 17th and 18th centuries in Dutch art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Arent de Gelder

Artist

Arent de Gelder

Aert de Gelder (Dutch: ; October 26, 1645 – August 27, 1727) was a Dutch painter, the only Dutch artist to paint in the tradition of Rembrandt's late style into the 18th century.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: J. Paul Getty Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.