Bathsheba at the Fountain is a painting by Peter Paul Rubens completed around 1635.

Subject

The central figure is Bathsheba, a character from the Bible. She was the wife of Uriah the Hittite. The story, related in describes how King David, who is shown as a small figure on a balcony in the top left corner, saw Bathsheba bathing and fell in love with her. This painting shows her receiving the letter from David, inviting her for a discreet meeting being delivered.

Bathsheba at the Fountain

Bathsheba is attended by a maid who is combing her hair. There is also an African servant who is delivering David's letter. A dog is at her feet. Bathsheba is smiling and looking into the distance.

Bathsheba at the Fountain

References

1630s paintings

Paintings by Peter Paul Rubens

Paintings depicting Bathsheba

Collections of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister

Bathsheba at the Fountain