Cain Slaying Abel
Maker
(Artists)
1577-1640
1577-1640
Title
Cain Slaying Abel
Date of Production
1608-09
Medium
oil on panel
Dimensions
Height: 131.2 cm (panel)
Width: 94.2 cm (panel)
Width: 94.2 cm (panel)
Accession Number
P.1978.PG.353
Mode of Acquisition
Count Antoine Seilern, bequest, 1978
Credit
The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)
Copyright
Work in the public domain
Location
On display
Keywords
Label Text
Cain and Abel were the two eldest sons of Adam and Eve. As told in the Bible, both made offerings to God but when Cain’s sacrifice was rejected, he killed his brother in a jealous rage. This is an early painting in Peter Paul Rubens’s career. His large, muscular figures are heavily influenced by his recent study in Italy of ancient sculpture and of works by the Renaissance artist Michelangelo.
Provenance
M.B.' France, sold Paris, 20 March 1827; purchased from J. A. Tooth Limited, London by Colnaghi, London, 11 August 1955; purchased from them by Count Antoine Seilern, London, 29 October 1955, for £7,000; Princes Gate Bequest 1978.
Exhibition History
CORPUS: The Body Unbound, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 16/06/2017-16/07/2017
Part of general displays, National Gallery & London & England, 20/01/2006-27/04/2006
Rubens - A Master in the Making, National Gallery, London, 26/10/2005-15/01/2006 ...More
to be displayed with permanent collection, National Gallery & London & England, 28/01/2003-08/02/2004 ...Less
Part of general displays, National Gallery & London & England, 20/01/2006-27/04/2006
Rubens - A Master in the Making, National Gallery, London, 26/10/2005-15/01/2006 ...More
to be displayed with permanent collection, National Gallery & London & England, 28/01/2003-08/02/2004 ...Less
Literature
Rubens - A Master in the Making, National Gallery, London, 2005-2006
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