JEAN BOURDICHON - Bathsheba Bathing

THE ARTWORK

Jean Bourdichon's "Bathsheba Bathing", painted in 1498, is a notable illumination that depicts the biblical story of Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, as she bathes. The story is famously recounted in the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel.

In this illumination, Bourdichon captures Bathsheba's moment of vulnerability and sensuality as she bathes, unaware of being observed by King David from a nearby rooftop.

THE ARTIST

Jean Bourdichon (c. 1457–1521) was a French Renaissance painter and manuscript illuminator known for his exquisite miniature paintings and illuminations. He served as the court painter to four successive kings of France: Louis XI, Charles VIII, Louis XII, and Francis I.

Bourdichon's work is characterized by its delicacy, attention to detail, and rich use of color and gold leaf. He was particularly skilled in depicting intricate patterns, lush landscapes, and expressive figures within the limited space of illuminated manuscripts.

One of Bourdichon's most famous works is the "Grandes Heures of Anne of Brittany," a lavishly illustrated book of hours commissioned by Anne of Brittany, queen consort of France. This masterpiece exemplifies Bourdichon's mastery of the art of illumination, featuring stunning miniature paintings that depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, as well as beautifully adorned borders and decorative initials.

Bourdichon's influence extended beyond manuscript illumination, as he also produced designs for tapestries, stained glass windows, and other decorative arts. His work played a significant role in the development of French Renaissance art, and he remains celebrated for his contributions to the world of illuminated manuscripts and painting.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit