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This painting illustrates an episode described in the Old Testament (1 Samuel: 6-12), which is rarely depicted in art. The Ark – a wooden chest covered in gold containing the Ten Commandments – is pulled along on a cart drawn by cattle. It is being returned to the Israelites after the Philistines stole it in battle, and the Israelites are rejoicing. The Ark was a sacred object to Jews and Christians as it had been built by Moses according to God’s instructions. God punished the Philistines for their theft and forced them to send the Ark back to its rightful owners. Across the lake, vivid white buildings represent the Israelites‘ city of Besh-shemesh. Although the landscape with snow-capped mountains is imaginary, it resembles the countryside around Rome, where Bourdon spent most of his life.
Title
The Return of the Ark
Date
1659
Medium
Oil on canvas
Measurements
H 105.3 x W 134.6 cm
Accession number
NG64
Acquisition method
Presented by Sir George Beaumont, 1826
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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