Who painted David and Bathsehba?

David and Bathsehba was painted by Robert van Audenaerd in 1712.

Where can I see David and Bathsehba?

David and Bathsehba is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is David and Bathsehba?

David and Bathsehba is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

David and Bathsehba

Robert van Audenaerd , 1712

David and Bathsehba is an ink print by the Baroque artist Robert van Audenaerd. It dates from 1712 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Robert van Audenaerd’s 1712 engraving titled *David and Bathsheba* presents a pastoral tableau in which a seated male figure is attended by three women. The composition unfolds outdoors amid trees, foliage, distant architecture, and a waterfall, creating a tranquil backdrop for the intimate actions depicted.

Subject & Meaning

The central man, likely representing King David, is shown being groomed: one woman tends his hair, another holds a mirror, and a third washes his feet. The presence of the mirror and the act of foot washing allude to themes of vanity, purification, and the biblical narrative of David’s encounter with Bathsheba.

Technique & Style

Executed as an engraving on laid paper, the work demonstrates van Audenaerd’s skill in rendering fine textures and intricate patterns. The artist employs a nuanced range of line work to differentiate skin tones, fabrics, and natural elements, achieving a sense of depth and realism within the monochrome medium.

History & Provenance

Created in the early eighteenth century, the print reflects the period’s interest in biblical subjects rendered for a learned audience. While specific ownership records are scarce, the engraving has been catalogued among van Audenaerd’s oeuvre and appears in several collections of Dutch printmaking.