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Bathsheba at the Fountain

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Bathsheba at the Fountain
ArtistPeter Paul Rubens
Yearc. 1635
MediumOil on oak
Dimensions175 cm × 126 cm (69 in × 50 in)
LocationGemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden

Bathsheba at the Fountain is a painting by Peter Paul Rubens completed around 1635.[1]

Subject

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The central figure is Bathsheba, a character from the Bible. She was the wife of Uriah the Hittite. The story, related in 2 Samuel 11 describes how King David, who is shown as a small figure on a balcony in the top left corner, saw Bathsheba bathing and fell in love with her. This painting shows her receiving the letter from David, inviting her for a discreet meeting being delivered.[2]

Bathsheba is attended by a maid who is combing her hair. There is also an African servant who is delivering David's letter. A dog is at her feet. Bathsheba is smiling and looking into the distance.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Bathsheba at the Fountain by RUBENS, Peter Paul". www.wga.hu. Web Gallery of Art. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Description Of The Painting By Peter Rubens "Bathsheba At The Fountain"". Energine. Retrieved 14 October 2020.[permanent dead link]