David and Abigail

Abigail symbolizes diplomatic skill: After her husband Nabal refused to offer food to David and his warriors, David planned an attack. Abigail saved her family by supplying the provisions. Rubens shows her kneeling before David, who is appeased by her courage. The composition resembles others that portray emotional encounters – for example, Esther’s appearance before Ahasuerus, another king impressed by a heroine’s bravery.