Bathsheba Receiving David's Letter - Adriaen Collaert

A detailed hand-coloured engraving by Adriaen Collaert depicting the biblical scene of Bathsheba in a formal garden setting.

This hand-coloured engraving by Adriaen Collaert depicts the biblical narrative of Bathsheba, who is shown bathing in a garden setting while receiving a letter from King David. The composition follows the conventions of late sixteenth-century Northern Mannerism, characterised by a blend of classical architectural elements, mythological motifs, and a highly structured, theatrical arrangement of figures.

In the foreground, Bathsheba is attended by her handmaidens near a fountain adorned with a sculpture of Pegasus. The inclusion of the peacock and the formal garden architecture reflects the period's interest in combining religious subjects with the decorative aesthetics of the Renaissance. The scene is framed by an arched trellis, which creates a sense of depth and guides the viewer's eye toward the background buildings. The Latin inscription at the base, 'Dum lavat et recreat gelido sua flumine membra Bersabee regis litera missa datur', identifies the specific moment from the Second Book of Samuel.

Collaert, a member of a prominent family of engravers in Antwerp, was known for his technical precision and his ability to translate complex narratives into accessible print formats. This work was likely part of a larger series illustrating biblical events, intended for a scholarly or devotional audience. The hand-colouring, applied with care, adds a layer of visual interest to the fine lines of the engraving, bringing the garden scene to life with muted tones of blue, green, and ochre. The presence of the publisher's mark, 'Gerardus de Jode excudebat', indicates the collaborative nature of print production in the Low Countries during this era, where artists, engravers, and publishers worked in close proximity to supply the European market with high-quality imagery.