David calming Saul's fury with the harp (Preparatory sketch) 1852

Silvestro Lega rendered this oil on paper, a preparatory sketch, with great attention to the psychological drama unfolding between David and Saul. Note the harp: in antiquity, music was believed to possess the power to heal and harmonize the soul. Here, David's harp is more than an instrument; it’s a symbol of order and peace amidst Saul’s inner chaos. The motif of music as a balm for the troubled spirit is ancient, echoing in the Greek myths of Orpheus, whose lyre could charm even the gods of the underworld. This connection is not coincidental but a testament to the enduring human belief in the power of art to soothe the savage heart. Observe Saul’s posture: rigid, almost broken, embodying the torment of his madness. David’s compassionate gesture of reaching out mirrors the countless depictions of healing across cultures.