The Meeting of David and Abigail
1630 National Gallery of Art
About this artwork
This large-scale oil painting depicts the biblical narrative of David encountering Abigail, notable for its dynamic composition and rich use of color typical of the Flemish Baroque. It is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art.
Did you know?
This painting depicts the moment in 1 Samuel 25 when Abigail wisely intercedes to prevent David from attacking her foolish husband Nabal. Rubens expertly captures the emotional tension of the encounter, with David moved to mercy by Abigail's humility and provision of supplies. The scene is a masterful display of the artist's ability to combine high drama with intricate character detail.
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The Meeting of David and Abigail
Peter Paul Rubens, 1630
