ANDREA SACCHI (Rome 1599 – 1661 Rome)

Andrea Sacchi (Rome 1599 – 1661 Rome)

Abigail Bringing Gifts to David (recto); Studies of Hands (verso)

Brush with light red and brown-grey wash over red chalk, watermark heart-shaped (?) device, 181 x 250 mm (7.1 x 9.8 inch)

Inscribed ‘orriginale di Andrea Sachi’ (brown ink, verso)

Provenance
~ Private collection, France, 1950s/1960s
~ Private collection, USA

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This hitertho unknown drawing is an important addition to the drawn oeuvre of the Roman Baroque artist Andrea Sacchi. “[He] worked with an uneasy mind; knowing perfectly well the difference between the good and the better, he was never content.” So reported Sacchi’s biographer. The artist himself said that other famous artists “frighten me and make me lose heart.” The most vocal leader of Baroque classicism in the 1630s, Sacchi argued against the exuberant Baroque manner of Pietro da Cortona and Gianlorenzo Bernini. He debated with Cortona in the Academy of Saint Luke, maintaining that history paintings should have few figures, because simplicity and unity were essential to classicism. Cortona, in contrast, believed in compositions with a main theme and many episodes, implying greater complexity and numerous figures. Sacchi’s painting style paralleled that of his friend, the sculptor Alessandro Algardi. Like another friend, Nicolas Poussin, Sacchi increasingly refrained from sensory appeal. He repeatedly demonstrated his psychological penetration and concentration on essentials. By the end of the 17th century, the cool, serene approach of his classicism triumphed, much promoted by his pupil Carlo Maratti.

The Biblical subject of Abigail and King David is fairly rare in the visual arts. As related in 1 Samuel 25, David was on the run from King Saul, who rightly considered David a threat to his throne. Abigail was married to the rich Nabal, who was asked for supplies by David. Her husband having refused the supplies, Abigail feared for the safety of her people, gathered provisions and presented herself to David, who was about to ride out to convince Nabal in less friendly terms. Abigail has since been considered a model of diplomacy and wisdom.