Four paintings depicting biblical subjects, French school, 17th century, tempera on parchment applied to wooden panel. Dimensions: cm H 26 x W 39.5; frame cm H 38 x W 52 x D 4 Price: private negotiation Object accompanied by our certificate of authenticity The four paintings were made in tempera on parchment, applied to a wooden panel, in the 17th century, presumably in the French area. They depict biblical scenes: Bathsheba bathing, David kills Goliath, Esther before Ahasuerus, Moses brings forth water from the rock. The first painting on the left shows a scene set in an elegant garden, with a carved Baroque-style fountain, leafy trees and architecture in the background. In the center, a group of women dressed in classical tunics is gathered around a female figure sitting near a large tub: this is Bathsheba, surrounded by her handmaids. The delicate colors—especially blues, pinks and ochres—create a luminous and serene atmosphere. The scene refers to the famous episode narrated in the Second Book of Samuel: King David, looking from the terrace of his palace, sees Bathsheba washing and is fascinated by her. From this encounter will be born a forbidden relationship and a series of dramatic events that will mark the history of Israel. The painting, however, chooses to represent the moment of the bath as a harmonious and intimate scene, focusing on the beauty and tranquility before the events that will follow. The second painting from the left depicts the decisive moment of the clash between the young David and the giant Goliath. In the foreground, Goliath is represented as faltering and falling backwards, struck in the forehead by the stone cast with the sling. His massive body and red robe give dynamism to the scene. In front of him, the young David has his arm still raised in the gesture of the launch. Around him, soldiers and field tents create a lively military scenario. The image is inspired by the story of the First Book of Samuel, in which David, a simple shepherd, confronts the Philistine champion Goliath armed only with a sling and his own faith. With a quick gesture guided by faith in God, David defeats the giant, marking the victory of Israel and foreshadowing his future role as king. The third painting depicts Queen Esther at the culminating moment of her meeting with King Ahasuerus. The scene takes place in a sumptuous court environment, characterized by a colonnade, a monumental staircase and rich draperies. Ahasuerus, sitting on the throne under a red and blue canopy with lambrequins, extends his arm towards Esther, who faints from the tension while two handmaids support her. In the background, court figures and architectural details complete the regal atmosphere, while the vivid colors and minute details enhance the theatricality of the moment. The scene refers to a passage from the Book of Esther. The young queen, risking her life, appears before the king without being summoned, to intercede on behalf of her threatened people. Due to strong agitation Esther faints, and Ahasuerus, moved to compassion, welcomes her and extends the scepter towards her, a gesture that sanctions his clemency. The painting captures just this dramatic moment, a symbol of courage, intercession and justice. Finally, the last painting depicts the famous biblical episode in which Moses brings forth water from the rock to quench the thirst of the people of Israel during the Exodus in the desert. In the center of the composition, Moses, wrapped in a light cloak, strikes the rock with the staff, while around him men, women and children hurry with containers, kneeling or reaching out to collect the miraculous water. The setting is natural and luminous, with trees and mountains in the background and animal details in the foreground such as the dog and the bird near the stream. The scene refers to the book of Numbers (20:1-11) and Exodus (17:1-7), where Moses, behind divine command, beats the rock in the desert of Meriba to offer water to the people afflicted by thirst. The event is a symbol of trust in God and his providence: the miracle reveals the role of Moses as guide and mediator between God and the Israelites in difficulty. The four parchments, with bright and vivid colors, are very pleasant and decorative. In good condition, they are presented inside Venetian style frames, in carved and gilded wood.

Period: 17th century

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