This painting depicts one of the more violent scenes described in the Bible. The Book of Samuel recounts how Amnon, one of King David’s sons, fell in lust with his half-sister, Tamar. He drew her to his chamber by pretending to be ill, and when she brought him special foods, he raped her. Then Amnon’s violent love turned to intense hatred, and he sent Tamar away in disgrace. The story’s physical violence and emotional turmoil are conveyed in the agitated draperies and the figures’ strained poses.