Details

Title

Amnon and Tamar

Artist/Maker

Artist once known

Date

ca. 1650–1700

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

50 1/2 x 55 inches

Credit

Gift of Mrs. Thomas P. Hinman, in commemoration of the establishment of the High Museum School of Art by Dr. Thomas P. Hinman in April 1929

Accession #

40.1

Location

On View - Stent Family Wing, Level 2, Gallery 204

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.