The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of April 19, 2024
David Playing the Harp before Saul
c. 1508
(Dutch, 1494–1533)
Gift of Ralph King 1923.774
Catalogue raisonné: Hollstein X.79.27 ; Bartsch VII.27
Location: not on view
Description
A skillful player of the harp, David was summoned to the court of King Saul in order to console the king who was often tormented by melancholy. Lucas van Leyden masterfully captured the despair of the king who sits uncomfortably upon his throne, his right foot angled convulsively over the left one, his gaze a blank stare. While playing, David looks calmly upon the ruler, as if to convey his confidence that music will provide the necessary balm to soothe the king’s soul.- Themes and Variations: Musical Drawings and Prints. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (January 25-May 17, 2015).Eight Masters of the Print. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (October 14, 1980-January 18, 1981).The Print Club of Cleveland, 1919 - 1969: Fifty Years in Review. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (January 14-March 31, 1970).Youthful Works by Great Artists. Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (organizer) (March 10-30, 1963).Prints by Lucas Van Leyden and His Contemporaries. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (February 28-April 2, 1939).
- {{cite web|title=David Playing the Harp before Saul|url=false|author=Lucas van Leyden|year=c. 1508|access-date=19 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1923.774