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Two-staged cabinet, gabled. Upper section with stinkwood frame and
beefwood door panels. Moulded cornice with carved centrepiece. Brass
escutcheons. Bottom section of stinkwood with four linen fold drawers.
Ball and claw feet in front and circular turned feet at the back.
Brass hinged handles and escutcheon plates. The inside of the door panels is painted with a biblical scene
depicting the return of Judge Jephtah from the battlefield and his
doomed daughter’s festive welcoming of her father. He commanded the
Israelites in their war against the Ammonites. Judge Jephtah doubted
his own abilities and the might of God, and before the final battle,
he vowed to sacrifice to God the first person welcoming him home after
a victory. Judge Jephtah is seen here with his hands in the air
lamenting the fact that it had to be his only child who had to be
sacrificed. Dr Hendriks established that the painting is a copy of an old biblical
illustration by Merian the Elder (1593-1650). The Cape painter of the
scene is unknown.
Bequest Dr P A Hendriks. (SACHM76/149)
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