Soudir of Bertram (The Meeting of David and Abigail)
Painting on canvas • Studio or School of Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish School)
Style & Movement
Flemish Baroque
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas employing chiaroscuro, glazing, and dynamic brushwork characteristic of the Flemish Baroque style
Creation Period
Circa 1620-1640
Dimensions & Format
110 cm x 85 cm; Landscape format
Subject Description
A narrative scene depicting a group of figures in a landscape before a fortified structure. To the right, a military procession with horses and armored figures; to the left, gracefully draped figures in classical attire. The composition reflects the dramatic movement and theatrical lighting typical of Rubens' large-scale history paintings, likely depicting David meeting Abigail.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the work appears stable in a museum setting with visible age-appropriate craquelure
Estimated Market Value
$40,000 - $80,000 (as a high-quality studio work)
Auction Estimate
$30,000 - $60,000
Provenance History
Associated with the Flemish School; museum labeling suggests a history of institutional care and public exhibition
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a representative work of the Rubensian school, demonstrating the dissemination of Rubens' style and narrative complexity in 17th-century Northern Europe. Such works illustrate the collaborative nature of the Antwerp studio systems.
Notable Features
Housed in a grand gilded period-style frame with an identifying brass plaque and museum accession labels. Features the robust, muscular anatomical rendering and vibrant palette synonymous with the Rubens circle.
Condition Issues
Fine craquelure across the paint surface; possible minor oxidation of varnish and historical relining common for 17th-century canvases of this size.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain controlled humidity (45-55%) and temperature. Use UV-filtered lighting. Surface cleaning and varnish consolidation by a specialist in Old Master paintings if yellowing progresses.
Collector Notes
17th c flemmish school - studio or school of Ruben's oil on canvas 110 cm x 85cm framed