"BATHSHEBA" by Benjamin Victor

"Radiating with seductive allure, my sculpture of Bathsheba embodies the captivating power of desire. As she stands before the king, apprehensive yet drawn by the allure of power and passion, her gaze betrays a longing that has simmered since their first encounter. With each curve of her figure draped in sheer fabric, she exudes an irresistible sensuality, drawing the king closer despite the looming consequences. Bathsheba's pose, a delicate balance of hesitation and anticipation, captures the magnetic pull of temptation in the face of forbidden passion. The sculpture portrays a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of David and Bathsheba. King David, renowned for his military prowess and wisdom, becomes enamored with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his loyal soldiers. Bathsheba, though married, willingly participates in the affair, succumbing to David's advances despite knowing the moral and ethical implications. This illicit affair leads to a series of tragic events, including the arranged death of Uriah in battle, as David and Bathsheba grapple with the consequences of their actions. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human desire and the consequences of actions driven by temptation. Perhaps the consequences are best summarized by David's own son, Solomon, in Proverbs 6. Or perhaps David's own words in Psalm 51 might offer the most telling reflection of all." - Benjamin Victor