MASTERPIECES OF ART IN THE CENTURIES / AMSTERDAM – Cornelis van Haarlem: Bathsheba at her bath

Cornelis van Haarlem, Dutch Golden Age painter and draughtsman, was one of the leading Northern Mannerist artists in The Netherlands, and an important forerunner of Frans Hals as a portraitist. There was the year 1594, and he painted an oil on convas (height 77.5 cm, width: 64 cm), writing on the left, monogram and date: CCH 1594. It was born “Bathsheba at her bath”. The beautiful Bathsheba bathes out of doors, assisted by two maidservants. King David spies the young woman and falls in love. Although he is not depicted in the painting, David’s presence is suggested by the castle in the distance. A you can see, the servant seen from behind has a male body. To admire this wonderful painting, when you’re in the Netherlands during your holidays, remember the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum (often simply called Rijksmuseum), 42 of the Stadhouderskade. How much time do you devote to your visit? Think about it now, because the museum is a treasure trove of art, with many, very many jewels, made with paints and brushes. https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en?lang=EN&gclid=CKLtw_XNxcwCFTAz0wodUiEM7g