Saul and David is a powerful history painting created by Rembrandt van Rijn (Leiden 1606 - 1669 Amsterdam) in 1651. Executed in oil on canvas, the piece captures a dramatic, psychologically intense moment from the Book of Samuel (1 Samuel 16:14-23), depicting the aging King Saul, plagued by melancholy and paranoia, listening to the young David play the harp. This specific narrative exemplified the period’s fascination with emotional conflict and divine intervention.
The composition masterfully employs deep shadows and warm, selective light to highlight the psychological tension between the two figures, a technique characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age. While David appears serene, Rijn focuses intently on Saul’s troubled gaze and the richly rendered folds of his turban and robe. The application of paint is thick and varied, demonstrating the artist’s mature technique. The subtle shift in the king's expression suggests the momentary calming effect of David’s music juxtaposed with his underlying despair.
Completed around the midpoint of the 17th century, this painting represents Rijn’s continued exploration of Biblical narratives and emotional introspection during his late period. The work is recognized as a key example of the artist's enduring mastery. It forms an important part of the collection at the Mauritshuis in The Hague, where it is admired for its profound emotional resonance. As a historically significant piece, high-quality images and prints of Saul and David are often made available through public domain initiatives, allowing for broader study and appreciation of this Baroque masterwork.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.