David en Abigaïl Possibly 1630 - 1702

This print depicting David and Abigail was made in the Netherlands in the 17th Century. The story is drawn from the Old Testament, and the choice of subject tells us something about the society in which the print was made. David, later King of Israel, is seen here as a powerful man, finely dressed and on horseback. Abigail kneels before him, offering gifts. In Dutch society at the time, status was closely linked to power, wealth, and lineage. The print subtly comments on these structures. The central figures inhabit a detailed landscape which acts almost like a stage, reminding us that the story is being presented in a very deliberate way. To understand the print fully, we can look at the religious and social history of the Netherlands at this time, using books, archives, and other prints. That way, we can appreciate how the image reinforces prevailing social structures.