Saul And The Witch Of Endor, Ink And White Lead On Paper. 17th-century Nordic Artist.

An interesting ink drawing, enhanced with watercolor and highlights of lead white, depicting a votive scene with an atmosphere steeped in witchcraft. The work is by a talented 17th-century Flemish or Northern European artist, whose free, swift, and impulsive line work skillfully brings out the light through masterful touches of white. Fearing the Philistines, King Saul secretly consults a medium in Endor, thereby defying his own laws. The woman summons the spirit of Samuel, who reproaches Saul for his past disobedience. The spirit prophesies Israel’s defeat as well as the imminent death of the king and his sons. Desperate and terrified, Saul accepts his tragic fate, now inescapable.

The narrative focuses on the king’s inexorable fate. The sheet measures 22 x 34 cm; the total dimensions, including the frame, are 36 x 47 cm. Both the sheet and the entire piece are in excellent condition.