Triumph of David - Oil on copper 17th century - Attributed to Peter Sion

From the biblical account of the First Book of Samuel (18: 6-7): the subject shows David's triumph after his victory over the giant Goliath. David, a young shepherd, declares himself sent from God to fight the giant Goliath, hero of the Philistines. He wounds him on the forehead with his slingshot and when he falls to the ground, David grabs his sword and cuts off his head. Welcomed as a liberator and savior of the people, David, at the center of the composition, mounted on his steed, brandishes on his sword the head of the giant, like a trophy. He is acclaimed by the cheering crowd, whose many musicians with different instruments. He returns triumphantly to Jerusalem whose walls are in the background, followed by the royal cortege and the king of Israel himself, Saul, who is watching the scene of his chariot. The composition highlighting the many characters is illuminated by the clear tones of the sky and the dazzling colors of the drapes, thus exposing the exceptional palette of colors. Great finesse of execution of which many details: drapes, jewels and ornaments. The table support, a large copper, provides a smooth rendering and allows easy reading. Posterior period frame in walnut burl veneer. Dimensions: h. 60 cm, l. 77 cm, with the frame: h. 77 cm, l. 94 cm. Peter Sion (1620-1695) is a Flemish painter of landscapes, paintings of history and genre scenes. His work was mainly intended for export and he specialized in Biblical subjects. He was probably born in Antwerp between 1615 and 1625. Registered in the guild of St. Luke of Antwerp as a pupil of Frans van Lanckvelt, he then worked in the studio of Guillaume Forchondt, one of the most important exporters of Flemish works of art all over Europe. Peter Sion used copper as a medium for most of his works. The biblical scenes being his favorite subject, his style is very close to Frans Francken's late mannerism. One of the characteristics of his work is the quality of the drawing as well as the important space occupied by the figures in his compositions.