David in Prayer

Rembrandt van Rijn (mentioned on object), 1652

In his etchings Rembrandt often left something to the imagination. Here he shows a man kneeling on a cushion before a bed, sunk in prayer. His head is cast in shadow and therefore cannot be recognized; however, the harp lying in the foreground makes it clear that he is King David. What he is praying for is less evident: perhaps the salvation of the illegitimate son he fathered with Bathsheba.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-1961-1000A
  • Dimensionsheight 144 mm x width 95 mm
  • Physical characteristicsets en droge naald