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1670, Jan Steen, Amnon and Tamar -- Wallraf-Richartz Museum (Cologne)

From the museum label:

 

LEMON-BITTER FATE

 

An elegant bedchamber is the scene of a tragic love story recounted in the Old Testament: Amnon, the son of King David, becomes infatuated with his half-sister Tamar. Feigning sickness, he has Tamar bring him fortifying sustenance, but goes on to rape her. The rose on the floor, stripped of its petals, is the mournful symbol of her lost innocence. The painter shows us what happens next: Amnon's infatuation turns to contempt. He roughly kicks Tamar out of his bed and orders the servant to take her away. As a grinning court jester, he comments on the event without pity.

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Uploaded on May 17, 2023
Taken on May 17, 2023