Abraham and Sarah before Abimelech

Roos, the great-grandfather of Austrian-born Joseph Roos (whose engraving can be viewed in the central case of this section of the exhibition), was known primarily for his paintings of animals. Influenced by the landscapes and engravings of Dutch Italianate artists such as Nicolaes Berchem, Roos-who never visited Italy-was interested in pastoral scenes of herdsmen and livestock set against warm Italian landscapes. Roos combined detailed depictions of Roman architecture, animals, and peasants in this Biblical scene, which shows the Old Testament account of Abraham and Sarah presenting King Abimelech (in Roman dress), with sheep and oxen.