Saul Reproved by Samuel for Not Obeying the Commandments of the Lord 1798

John Singleton Copley created this oil on canvas painting, Saul Reproved by Samuel for Not Obeying the Commandments of the Lord, during a period marked by revolutionary sentiments and shifting social structures. As an artist navigating both American and British identities, Copley often explored themes of authority, obedience, and moral conflict. Here, the painting depicts a scene from the Hebrew Bible, with the prophet Samuel confronting King Saul for his disobedience to divine commands. Samuel’s accusatory gesture pierces through Saul’s royal composure, highlighting the tension between spiritual authority and earthly power. The artist uses the story to convey the emotional and psychological dimensions of the conflict. It is also a story about accountability and the consequences of defying higher principles. Copley’s painting encourages us to consider the timeless themes of leadership, accountability, and the consequences of moral compromise.