RICCI, Sebastiano
(b. 1659, Belluno, d. 1734, Venezia)

Bathsheba at her Bath

c. 1724
Oil on canvas, 119 x 199 cm
Szépművészeti Múzeum, Budapest

The composition of this painting is similar to that of another painting of the same subject by Sebastiano Ricci, now in the Staatliche Museen, Berlin. Both painting follow the scheme used for representing the toilette of Venus. Bathsheba is identified only by the barely visible spying figure in the Budapest painting and by the figure of a maid approaching with a letter from King David.

Apparently Ricci liked to use buildings with columns to close up the background, no doubt inspired by Veronese. Slender columns, light, almost floating balconies provide a picturesquely decorative framework for the figures grouped on the stage in front. The whole scene is pervaded by a shimmering silvery light; shadow and dimness have vanished completely; the painter applies light and colour for modelling. The colouring, with its nacreous lustre, is particularly attractive; the hues are delicately shaded, enhancing the interplay of form and content.




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