The Meeting of David and Abigail
c. 1630
Medium
oil on panel
Dimensions
overall (without added strip): 44.7 x 66.3 cm (17 5/8 x 26 1/8 in.) overall (with added strip): 46.4 x 68 cm (18 1/4 x 26 3/4 in.) framed: 67 x 88.3 x 7.9 cm (26 3/8 x 34 3/4 x 3 1/8 in.)
Classification
Painting
Department
CNE-B
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Bequest of Lore Heinemann in memory of her husband, Dr. Rudolf J. Heinemann
Accession Number
1997.57.8
Art Historical Context
Sir Peter Paul Rubens, preeminent Flemish Baroque master, painted *The of David and Abigail* 1630 in oil panel—a compact format (about 17½ x 26 inches) ideal for his lively compositional studies or *bozzetti*. This work captures a pivotal biblical moment from 1 Samuel 25, where the wise and beautiful Abigail intercepts the future King David to avert bloodshed against her foolish husband, Nabal. Offering food and gifts, she flatters David with diplomacy, securing peace and foreshadowing her role as his wife. Rubens infuses the scene with his signature dynamism: swirling drapery, expressive ges...