Lot 81: James Smetham (1821-1889)

James Smetham (1821-1889)
Saul "hiding among the stuff"
signed and dated '1866/J.Smetham' (lower right) and with inscription 'Saul "hiding among the stuff."' (on an old label attached to the reverse)
pen and brown ink, watercolour and bodycolour with gum arabic
5¼ x 4 7/8 in. (13.3 x 12.4 cm.)

The scene depicted here is taken from the first book of Samuel when Saul tries to hide from his destiny to be King of Israel.

'Therefore they enquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold he hath hid himself among the stuff.' I Samuel X:22