Ahimelech Giving the Sword of Goliath to David by Arent de Gelder. In a dimly lit interior, an elderly man in ornate robes and a white headdress presents a large, ceremonial sword to a younger man in a wide-brimmed hat.

Ahimelech Giving the Sword of Goliath to David

Arent de Gelder

1680 · Oil Paint, Canvas

A dramatic 17th-century scene of an elder priest bestowing a legendary sword upon a young hero, rendered in a masterly Rembrandt-inspired style.

$169

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Where it works

A weightier piece with steady character with warm, lived-in color — supports a polished room with depth.

Often works in
Library · Living Room · Study
Placement
Reads best above substantial furniture or an open wall
Walls
Benefits from light or mid-tone surroundings
Color notes
Charcoal black, Rich brown, Terracotta clay

About the piece

Painted around 1680 by Arent de Gelder, one of Rembrandt’s most dedicated pupils, this work captures a pivotal moment from the biblical narrative of David. The composition employs dramatic chiaroscuro to highlight the rich textures of the figures' garments and the gleaming detail of the ceremonial sword, exemplifying the atmospheric depth and painterly technique of the late Dutch Golden Age.