David's Charge to Solomon

Rembrandt van Rijn (attributed to) 1606 - 1669

Summary

A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of a drawing by Rembrandt. The drawing shows a man lying in a four poster bed angled to be seen from the side with the headboard in the centre and the foot at the right edge of the composition. The man in the bed has his right hand held out to a figure in the foreground kneeling beside the bed. This figure is wearing a cloak. Behind the man in the bed is a female figure who appears to be adjusting the pillows behind him. In the left background is a small round table with a vaguely drawn object on top. There is another kneeling at the left edge of the composition. Text from the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society: "No. 22 REMBRANDT (b. 1606; d. 1669) DAVID'S CHARGE TO SOLOMON Collection of the Duke of Devonshire, Chatsworth (from the Collection of N. A. Flinck). Hofstede de Groot, 830; Lippman, 51. Pen and bistre, and bistre and sepia wash. 22 x 21 cm. (8 5/8 x 8 1/4 in.) David lies on his deathbed, his pillows being slightly raised by Bathsheba, while he gives his last charge to Solomon , who kneels before the bed on the left. Further to the left kneels Nathan, and behind him a table, on which a turban is seen, is lightly indicated. A study for a composition, of which no other version (either drawing, painting, or etching) is known. Probable date about 1640. A. M. H."