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 group of people with two central figures prominently depicted. A man on the left side of the frame is standing and playing a harp. His full body is visible, and he has short, curly hair. He is dressed in medieval attire, including a tunic with a decorative pattern at the sleeves and hem, with a belt around his waist and boots. Beside him, another man is seated on a throne-like chair, facing the harpist and leaning slightly forward while resting one hand on a staff. This seated man, shown from the knees up, wears a richly adorned robe with fur trim and a crown or turban with a decorative pattern. His face is older, with a long beard. Three more men partially fill the upper background, two of whom are listening intently, wearing hats and robes typical of the period. The background features a detailed decorative panel with intricate woodwork and carvings and several poles or spears held by unseen figures.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.5608

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 27, State iii/iii

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1933

  • An Exhibition of Prints from the Collection of Lessing J. Rosenwald, Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 1933, no. 71.

1945

  • Prints from the Lessing J. Rosenwald Collection in the National Gallery of Art, Washington, John Herron Art Institute, Indianapolis, IN, 1945, no. 35.

1953

  • Masterpieces of Graphic Art from the Rosenwald Collection, Lowe Art Gallery, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 1953, no cat.

1959

  • Old Master Prints from the Rosenwald Collection, Brown University, Providence, RI, 1959.

1965

  • The Old Testament in Prints from the Lessing J. Rosenwald Collection, University of Notre Dame Art Gallery, Notre Dame, IN, 1965.

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

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-

Wikidata ID

Q65023300

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