David ziet Batseba baden in zijn tuin

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso linksonder, gestempeld: Lugt 240

Art Historical Context

**David Sees Bathsheba Bathing in Garden** (1519) by Hans Burgkmair the Elder captures a pivotal biblical moment from the Second Book of Samuel, where King David spies Bathsheba bathing, sparking a tale of desire, power, and consequence. This intimate work on paper, measuring just 116 x 90 mm, exemplifies Northern Renaissance artist's mastery of printmaking. Burgkmair, a leading figure in early 16th-century Augsburg, was renowned for his innovative woodcuts and chiaroscuro techniques, blending fine detail with dramatic light and shadow to bring religious narratives to life for a growing audience beyond elite patrons. Created late in Burgkmair's career, this piece reflects the era's fascination with moral storytelling through art, influenced by the humanism of the Renaissance and the spread of movable type. Its modest scale suggests it was designed for personal devotion or collection, making sacred scenes accessible in homes or portfolios. The verso bears a collector's mark (Lugt 240), linking it to esteemed provenance and highlighting its survival through centuries of connoisseurship. This delicate print invites visitors to ponder timeless themes of temptation amid Burgkmair's precise lines and evocative composition, a window into Renaissance Europe's blend of faith, artistry, and human frailty.