And David Took an Harp

Simeon Solomon

Wood engraving by the Dalziels [1862].

6½ x 5 inches

Alex Foley, Art Pictures from the Old Testament, p.149.

1 Samuel xvi: 23. David is shown playing to the troubled King Saul. Solomon stresses the contrast between youth and age, innocence and experience, a state of grace and isolation from God. David’s androgynous face typifies Solomon’s fascination with an ambiguous male beauty.

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Scanned image and text by Simon Cooke.

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