Cain Slaying Abel

Copyright

Work in the public domain
Image: Courtauld

Maker

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)

Object Number

P.1978.PG.353

Mode of Acquisition

Count Antoine Seilern, bequest, 1978

Credit

Courtauld Gallery, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)

Location

On display

Open IIIF manifest Open in IIIF viewer What is IIIF IIIF viewers

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, 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

Literature

Rubens - A Master in the Making, National Gallery, London, 2005-2006

Information on this object may be incomplete and will be updated as research progresses. We are particularly committed to addressing any discriminatory or offensive language and ideas that may be present in our records.
We are also constantly working to digitise the collection and improve the quality of our digital resources; images will be added/updated as new photography becomes available.
To help improve this record and to enquire about images of the Courtauld Gallery Collection, please email gallery.collectionsonline@courtauld.ac.uk.

Find out more about using and licensing our images.

____________________________

Buy a print from our collection