Abigail falls on her knees before David (I Samuel 25:23-42) 1923

Curator: Lovis Corinth's drawing, "Abigail falls on her knees before David," depicts a scene from the Old Testament. The work, currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums, is rendered in charcoal on paper. Editor: The raw, almost frantic quality of the charcoal lines really conveys a sense of urgency. There is a stark contrast between the dark, heavily shaded figures and the bare paper. Curator: Indeed. Corinth made this drawing in 1923. Consider the cultural context—Germany in the Weimar Republic. The emphasis on dramatic biblical scenes perhaps reflects a search for stability amidst social upheaval. Editor: The gestural marks seem to be an exploration of power dynamics through spatial composition. David is looming, elevated on horseback, while Abigail is prostrate, literally beneath him. Curator: Precisely. The artist uses compositional elements to convey their relationship and suggest the politics embedded within this narrative. Editor: The drawing's immediacy makes it a compelling depiction of social and spiritual supplication. Curator: The artwork invites us to contemplate the enduring relevance of biblical narratives in understanding power and vulnerability.