GERARD DE LAVALLÉE (MECHELEN, 1596/97-1667/87)

GERARD DE LAVALLÉE (MECHELEN, 1596/97-1667/87) Six scenes from the Book of Samuel: David before the Fight; The Fight between David and Goliath; The Triumph of David presenting the head of Goliath to Saul; David playing the harp before Saul; and The Marriage of David to Michal oil on copper each 70.5 x 87.7 cm a series of six works (6) (6) Property of a private London estate GERARD DE LAVALLÉE excelled at religious subjects, as exemplified by the present series, the style and overall type of the paintings point to the likely execution during the 1630/40's. The works can be compared on stylistic grounds to known treatments of the subject during this period. known for his religious and mythological paintings, his detailed works often depicting biblical, mythological, or allegorical subjects. He was highly skilled in painting intricate details and textures, as well as creating complex compositions as can be seen in the present series. Collaborations with the figure painter Pieter van Avont are documented. Gerard de Lavelleé became master in the Antwerp guild of St Luke in 1626/27 under the name Geeraert de la Vallee. These six magnificent, detailed works on copper depict the Old Testament story of David, from the Book of Samuel. The story tells the tale of David, a young harpist and shepherd boy who replaced King Saul as King of Israel in 885 BCE (Samuel I 16:1-19). During the invasion of Philistines of Israelite territory, the Israelites dared not fight a giant named Goliath of Gath. However, David fought the giant and with a powerful final blow he decapitated the beast. David proceeded to present the head of Goliath to King Saul who came to witness the fight on the battlefield. Following this victory, David gained immense popularity and became known as a hero of the Israelites. However, King Saul was jealous of his new-found respect and regarded David as a threat to his royalty. God found this jealousy unfavourable and decided that David would be King. The spirit of God entered David's body and left Saul's. Saul then fell into a state of madness; he attempted to kill David, and his rage was only consoled by the sweet sound of David playing the harp. Saul later noticed his daughter Michal's love for David and following this, in the hope that it may lead to David's death, he insisted that if he wanted to take his daughters hand in marriage, he had to first slay one hundred Philistines. David survived the battle and won Michal's hand in marriage, much to the old King's dismayClick here to share: