* Jan Swart van Groningen Groningen circa 1495 - after 1553 Antwerp

Though few paintings by his hand are known, Jan Swart was a prolific draughtsman and designer of stained glass panels and woodcuts.  His early work reflects the influence of Dirk Vellert and Pieter Coecke van Aelst, as well as Jan van Scorel, and his compositions also betray a knowledge of the prints of Marcantonio Raimondi.  Stylistically the present drawing is a typical example of his work, with its massive but carefully outlined figures, distinctive facial types, and more freely drawn background.  It was most likely made as part of a series illustrating the story of David.  Another drawing probably originating from the same series was until recently in the Unicorno Collection (sold, Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 19 May 2004, lot 16); the ex-Unicorno drawing is very close in style and conception to this, and seems to represent David Seeking Refuge With Samuel.