Abisai ante David

Konrad Witz

1435

Abisai ante David by Konrad Witz, 1435

Step into the dramatic world of 15th-century biblical storytelling! Here, the armored warrior Abishai kneels before King David, offering a golden vessel—likely the famous water from the well of Bethlehem that he risked his life to fetch. David, draped in luxurious red velvet and a massive fur hat, gestures with a mix of awe and refusal, knowing the danger his men faced. Painted by Konrad Witz in 1435, this piece blends the glittering gold backgrounds of medieval art with a startling new realism in the fabrics and armor. It’s a snapshot of loyalty and sacrifice, showcasing the early Northern Renaissance shift toward lifelike detail.

Location: Kunstmuseum Basel

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