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David Playing the Harp before Saul
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David Playing the Harp before Saul

Lucas van Leyden (Netherlandish, 1494–about 1533), artist · c. 1508 · engraving

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

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.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineDavid Playing the Harp before Saul, c. 1508. Lucas van Leyden (Netherlandish, 1494–about 1533). Engraving. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Ralph King, 1923.774
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