Dawid before Saul

“And whenever the evil spirit sent by God came upon Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then Saul would find relief, feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.” (1 Samuel 16:23)

In the painting illustrating this passage from the Book of Samuel, a modest young man holding a harp stands before a magnificent royal throne, where the frenzied king thrashes, supported by courtiers. Under the influence of David’s music, the evil spirits slowly leave Saul’s body, depicted as a cloud emerging from his mouth containing dark, winged figures.

The composition of the painting was inspired by an engraving by Adriaen Collaert (c. 1560–1618) from the Encomium Musices series, Latin for “Praise of Music,” published around 1590 by the renowned Antwerp publisher Philip Galle (1537–1612). Collaert created his work based on drawings by the Flemish artist Johannes Stradanus (1523–1605), who primarily worked in Italy and was associated for many years with the Medici court in Florence. The Encomium Musices series consisted of 16 engravings illustrating various biblical scenes, each accompanied by verses referencing the musical aspects depicted. The introduction to the series emphasised the positive impact of music on both body and soul.

Monika Frankowska-Makała