David Playing the Harp before Saul
by LEYDEN, Lucas van, Engraving, 254 x 184 mm
In this print Lucas presents two large figures in a cramped throne room. He selected an unusual moment to illustrate the story of the mad king about to cast his lance at David, who plays his harp to soothe Saul’s melancholy. The actual violence is not depicted, but rather the moment before the hurling of the lance, when Saul is brooding over his jealousy of the youth.