Gideon in the camp of the Midianites

Details

Attributed to Ilario Mercantilo Spolverini (Parma 1657-1734)
Gideon in the camp of the Midianites
with inscription 'GLADIUS GIDEONIS' (on the banner held by the angels); together with Italian School, 17th Century, Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, pen and brown ink, brown wash
black chalk, pen and brown ink, brown wash
11½ x 8 in. (29 x 19.8 cm.)
(2)

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Lot Essay

The inscription on the angels' banner appears to read 'Gladius Gideonis' which would refer to a Biblical episode in Judges VII, in which the Israelite leader Gideon makes his way into the enemy camp of the Midianites. Overhearing one of the Midianites telling a friend about a dream he had had, Gideon was inspired by God with a plan for victory. Returning to his men he armed them with shofars and clay pitchers. Marching on the Midianites, they smashed the pitchers and blew the shofars, with the battle cry: "A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!", filling the Midianites with fear and causing them to scatter.

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