"The Marriage of David and Abigail"
Pauwels Casteels (Antwerp, circa 1625 – Antwerp, after 1677)
Oil on copper
Dimensions 88 x 70 frame 104 x 86
The work is monogrammed P.C. IN at the bottom center.
All HD photos at: https://www.antichitaischia.it/it/prodotto/-il-matrimonio-di-davide-ed-abigail-
This large copper painting executed with extraordinary fineness in the rendering of details depicts the marriage of David and Abigail, his second wife, beautiful and equally wise. The scene is rich with a variety of characters, with a grand display of clothing and an exceptional multitude of male and female ornaments. Besides the bride and groom with the High Priest, the severe and displeased figure of King Saul seated on his throne stands out, foreseeing in young David the future King of the Hebrews.
The work, which embodies the best characteristics of 17th-century Flemish art, is certainly attributable to the renowned Antwerp master Pauwels Casteels, who placed his initials on the floor at the bottom center of the painting (a custom of the master found in his other works).
The author, following his typical stylistic canons, creates a sumptuous feast scene, where the elegance of the characters is shown in every minute detail, with the skill that distinguishes his works. The exceptional size of the copper, moreover found several times in his catalog, allows him to give the composition an excellent effect of space and three-dimensionality.
The painting is in excellent condition over the entire surface. The copper sheet has some undulations and defects on the edges.
Pauwels Casteels was a Flemish painter and draftsman.
He was born in Antwerp around 1625. As the son of a master, he was admitted to the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp in 1649-1650.
Casteels was a versatile painter who painted battles, mythological, historical, and biblical scenes.
Casteels' works were distributed by the Antwerp art dealers Forchondt, who traded works of art throughout Europe.
His paintings have sometimes been attributed to other Flemish painters, such as Jan Cossiers, Simon de Vos, and Cornelis de Vos.
The compositions are always crowded with numerous figures, all highly individualized and painted with an excellent wealth of detail, thus attracting the observer into the countless details of the scene.
It is not known exactly when he died, but certainly after 1677, the year in which one of his works was dated.
We issue a stamped and signed certificate of authenticity guaranteeing the period, provenance, and all characteristics of the work, drawn up by an antiquarian affiliated with FIMA (FEDERAZIONE ITALIANA MERCANTI D'ARTE).
Delivery in Italy and throughout Europe within 3 days of receipt of bank transfer.
The shipment is tracked and insured and travels with careful shockproof packaging inside a custom-made wooden crate.
