Samuel Anointing David thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Sculpture, Room 111, The Gilbert Bayes Gallery

Samuel Anointing David

Plaquette
ca. 1580 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The art of plaquette making emerged in the south, in Nuremberg and Augsburg, about 1510–20. The plaquettes had the same multiple purpose as their Italian predecessors. They were used mainly by goldsmiths and in bronze foundries, but also by cabinetmakers. The models were carved in wood, stone, slate and wax, then reproduced in bronze and lead. Samuel, prophet and spiritual leader of the Israelites, chose the shepherd boy David to become king of his people. He anointed David in the presence of Jesse, David’s father, whose other sons had offered themselves as king but were rejected.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleSamuel Anointing David (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Lead
Brief description
Lead, German (Nuremberg), ca. 1580
Physical description
Samuel annoints the kneeling David from a horn held in his right hand. On the ground lie David's staff, scrip, and harp. Jesse, a bearded man, is seated on the left, behind him an old woman and two younger ones (his wife and daughters). To the right are two younger men (David's brothers) and above them an altar of sacrifice. In the upper part of the background the messenger summons David from his flocks. The rest of the background is filled by trees, lakes and towns. Border of plaited ornament.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 17cm
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
Production
By the Master H.G, thought to be Hans Jamnitzer II.
Subjects depicted
Summary
The art of plaquette making emerged in the south, in Nuremberg and Augsburg, about 1510–20. The plaquettes had the same multiple purpose as their Italian predecessors. They were used mainly by goldsmiths and in bronze foundries, but also by cabinetmakers. The models were carved in wood, stone, slate and wax, then reproduced in bronze and lead. Samuel, prophet and spiritual leader of the Israelites, chose the shepherd boy David to become king of his people. He anointed David in the presence of Jesse, David’s father, whose other sons had offered themselves as king but were rejected.
Bibliographic references
  • Weber, Ingrid. Deutsche, Niederländische und Französische Renaissanceplaketten. Herstellung: F. Bruckmann KG, München, 1975. pl. 77. ill. 281. cat. no. 282.
  • Cf. Braun. E. W. ed. Die deutschen Renaissanceplaketten der Sammlung Alfred Walcher Ritter von Molthein in Wien. Wien: Schroll, 1918. no. 117.
  • Cf. Pit. A. Het goud-en zilverwerk in het Nederlandsch Museum voor geschiedenis en Kunst te Amsterdam. Amsterdam, 1901. no. 111. p. 38.
  • Berlin Jahrbuch. 1926. p. 196.
  • von Falke, O. In: Jahrbuch der Preußischen Kunstsammlungen. 1926.
Collection
Accession number
A.36-1927

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Record createdJanuary 21, 2004
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