The only problem that arises with these two central symbols of the painting is that they never actually appear in the biblical narrative. “Except for beauty and nudity- the last justified by the text that describes Bathsheba as bathing- there are in fact no elements in the painting that refer directly to the biblical text.” The adaptation Rembrandt chooses to recreate portrays a young beauty who is powerless and showing a great deal of emotion. Without the title, it may be difficult to assume the woman is Bathsheba, but the story evolves right in front of the viewer once the theme is reveled. Although not all the main characters are present in the painting, he does an excellent job in showing the emotions that carry from David’s sins. This one scene paints a vivid picture of a woman who has no control in her and her husband’s fate. In order to have a successful adaptation, the revised translation has to follow the story of the original version. Rembrandt not only does this, but he lets the viewers feel compassion and sympathy for the victims, Bathsheba and Uriah.

Another major difference in the painting is the two symbols that commonly identify this woman as Bathsheba. The first image is the older woman who is tending to her feet. She illustrates Bathsheba’s youth and beauty. Also she acts as the messenger who has delivered the letter from David. The letter is the second symbolic motif that sixteenth and seventeenth artists used to familiarize the audience to the story without the company of David. Not only does the letter represent David’s power over her, but also it foreshadows her husband’s death. In the bible, he dies when King Dav

Some topics in this essay:
King David, David’s Letter, Picturing David, Uriah Hittite, Traditionally King, king david, Bathsheba Uriah, , paints vivid, woman bathsheba, woman bathing, letter hand, central theme, david sin, painting woman, david letter,