Artwork Page for David: "Oh, that I had wings like a Dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest." Psalm 55:6

Details / Information for David: "Oh, that I had wings like a Dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest." Psalm 55:6

David: "Oh, that I had wings like a Dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest." Psalm 55:6

1865

Frederic Leighton

(British, 1830–1896)
Culture
England, 19th century
Medium
oil on fabric
Measurements
Framed: 125 x 152.4 x 4.5 cm (49 3/16 x 60 x 1 3/4 in.); Unframed: 96.5 x 122.5 cm (38 x 48 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1986.74
Public Domain
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Location
219 19th Century European
Print

Description

From the many events in the turbulent life of the biblical King David, Leighton chose to depict his moment of gravest doubt. Having just learned of the death of his rebellious son Absalom at the hands of his own army, David has withdrawn to a chamber above the city gate. Casting aside his crown, which lies on the floor, the ruler muses on the conflicting demands of family and nation.
Horizontally-oriented oil painting depicting King David, a man with medium skin tone and a bushy black beard, seated in profile facing our right, his arm resting on a beige wall running beside him as he looks over a mountainous landscape. David wears a gold earring and black robes, his gold crown at his feet, leaning against the wall. Clouds roll over the mountains, revealing gold sky above into which two white birds fly.

David: "Oh, that I had wings like a Dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest." Psalm 55:6

1865

Frederic Leighton

(British, 1830–1896)
England, 19th century

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