King David's varied roles as Shepherd, Musician, Fugitive, Warrior, King, Judge and Poet, made him a favorite subject of famous non-Jewish artists, including Remembrant and Michelangelo.
Renditions of the famous Biblical figure were obviously colored by the artist's contemporary perceptions. Note that the Philistine Goliath is dressed as a Russian General in the painting at right.
Typically, they portray scenes of David as a Shepherd defending his sheep against wild animals; his annointment, and his historic triumph over Goliath. The classic paintings show David as a young musician soothing a disturbed King Saul; his entry with the Holy Ark into the city of Jerusalem; receiving Abigail and her gifts, and grieving over Jonathan's tragic death.
While much of this art appears on walls, doors and large canvasses, some serve to illuminate manuscripts of King David's Tehillim, the Book of Psalms. Presented on the occasion of King David's yartzeit on Shavuot.
From the Rothschild Miscellany, an illustrated manuscript from 15th century Italy |
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The Tower of David, by 19th century artist David Roberts |
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From 19th century Ukraine |
An illumination of David and Joab from the Duko of Berry's Book of Hours (15th century) |
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