David Playing the Harp before Saul

c. 1508

Lucas van Leyden

Associated Names
Lucas van Leyden

Artist, Netherlandish, 1489/1494 - 1533

The image shows a drawing of multiple figures. The main focus is on two primary characters positioned in the foreground. The seated figure on the right is shown from the knees up, seated in a chair, leaning forward while holding a staff. He has a beard, wears a turban, and his garment is lined with fur. To his left, a standing man is playing a harp. He has short, straight hair and wears a tunic and boots. Other figures can be seen partially, only showing their upper torsos and faces. The background includes architectural columns adorned with human and mythical figures, alongside hanging bead-like ornaments.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Anonymous Gift

  • Dimensions

    sheet (cut to platemark): 25.4 x 18.2 cm (10 x 7 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2004.19.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 27, State i(a)/iii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Hill-Stone Inc., New York); purchased 2004 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2004

  • Six Centuries of Prints and Drawings: Recent Acquisitions, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2004 - 2005

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

Inscriptions

lower center in image: L (backwards)

Watermarks

shield with sun (New Hollstein no. 1; similar to Briquet 13979)

Wikidata ID

Q76347918

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