David Playing the Harp before Saul, c. 1508
Lucas Huygensz van Leydenexpand_more
Engravingexpand_more
Bequest of Herschel V. Jonesexpand_more P.68.198
Not on Viewexpand_more
This engraving is one of Lucas van Leyden's finest, displaying his prodigious talent for establishing intrigue. David's popularity after slaying Goliath made King Saul livid. Making matters worse for Saul, God afflicted him with an evil spirit (1 Samuel 19:9). Now almost maniacally unstable, with fidgety feet and locked eyes, the king tightens his grip on the javelin as David futilely tries to calm him. Lucas leaves the viewer wondering whether Saul will carry out his threat to pin David to the wall. The gesturing figure at back is believed to be a self-portrait.
Details
- Title
- David Playing the Harp before Saul
- Artist Life
- c. 1490 - 1533
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.68.198
- Provenance
- Pierre Mariette, 1693 and 1698 (see L.1787); Albertina Duplicate (L.5g); Colnaghi; Knoedler & Co., 1925
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Hollstein 27 i/iii; Bartsch 27
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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