King David fell in love with Bathsheba, wife of soldier Uriah. He seduced her while her husband was taking part in a military campaign. After the night spent with David, Bathsheba conceived. The King immediately sent for Uriah allegedly to hear a report on the battle progress. The real intention, however, was that the warrior would spend a night with his wife, and then no one would be surprised at her pregnancy. But Uriah swore he would not rest while his comrades in arms were staying at the battlefield. When King David realized there was no chance to cover up his relationship with Bathsheba, he decided to get rid of Uriah.

The commander obeyed. The betrayed husband died, and the King married the widow. This deed looked particularly insidious as it was Uriah himself who got the harsh massage regarding his own death from the King’s hands and brought it to the commander.The commander obeyed. The betrayed husband died, and the King married the widow. This deed looked particularly insidious as it was Uriah himself who got the harsh massage regarding his own death from the King’s hands and brought it to the commander. The moment of handing over the letter is reflected in the painting.

Later on, in the 1620s, the artist started gradually changing the style of painting switching to calm classical works. In his mature years, he often painted classical well-balanced compositions with more delicate contrast patterns.

Specialists are uncertain about the exact date of origin of the King David Handing the Letter to Uriah painting. Tentatively, the artist might have painted it after leaving for Rome in 1921, but it is not known when exactly. However, researchers stress the fact that this painting tends towards the style of il vero Guercino rather than to his later years.