119 - Maarten van Heemskerck, edited by Cock – The Story of David, Abigail and Nabal – 1555.

Maarten van Heemskerck, edited by Cock – The Story of David, Abigail and Nabal – 1555. Description: The Story of David, Abigail and Nabal. A first state of this set rare in any state, here complete in six prints with the publishers address in the first state of H. Cock on the fifth plate with "Heemskerck inventor" on plate two and "H. Cock excud. 1555" on plate five. Complete set of six engravings illustrating the biblical narrative from 1 Samuel 25: David sends his messengers to request provisions from Nabal; Nabal refuses; David arms his men; Abigail’s servants prepare supplies; Abigail kneels before David and persuades him to abandon his intended revenge; and Nabal holds a lavish feast. The story contrasts Nabal’s ingratitude and excess with Abigail’s generosity, prudence and courage, presenting her intervention as an example of wisdom overcoming anger. Heemskerck’s compositions feature monumental figures, elaborate armor and flowing draperies, set among military encampments and domestic surroundings. With Latin captions and plate numbers. New Hollstein (Heemskerck) 104–109 (I) Dimensions: 25,20 x 19,20 cm Condition: Outstanding early impression on laid paper from the period, trimmed on the image borderline. Early watermark (high crown). Verso clean. Overall in very good condition. Literature: New Hollstein (Heemskerck) 104–109, first state. ----- Many of the earliest engravings after Heemskerck’s designs were produced in a vertical format, which became less common in his later biblical series. These early vertical compositions are generally encountered less frequently than the later cycles. The Story of David, Abigail and Nabal is particularly scarce as a complete set in the earliest edition published in Antwerp by Hieronymus Cock. The series is closely comparable to The Story of Solomon of 1554, likewise designed by Heemskerck and attributed to Pieter van der Heyden. Produced only one year apart, the two cycles share monumental figures, elaborate costumes, sculptural drapery and closely grouped compositions within a vertical format, accompanied by brief Latin captions. These affinities suggest a close artistic relationship, although the engraver of the David, Abigail and Nabal series remains unidentified. Medium: Six engravings Date: 1555