Image Details

Katherine E. Bullard Fund in memory of Francis Bullard/Courtesy of Fine Arts, Boston

David before Saul. King Saul finds no solace in David’s harp playing, in this 1911 etching by the German artist Emil Nolde.

Yahweh, in retribution for the Israelite’s repeated rejection of his authority, torments Israel’s chosen leader: Saul’s arms-bearer, David, becomes a feared rival, and Saul is rejected by his son Jonathan, his daughter Michal and many of his subjects.