König David aus Raffaels Disputa 28 - 1823

Moritz Daniel Oppenheim drew this study of King David after Raphael's fresco, Disputation of the Holy Sacrament. Oppenheim was the first Jewish artist to obtain academic training and, unusually, he received commissions from both Jewish and Christian patrons. Here, Oppenheim renders King David in a way that reflects both historical reverence and contemporary relevance. Note the fine lines capturing David's aged, yet noble, features. The thoughtful rendering of his beard and headpiece invokes a sense of dignified wisdom. Oppenheim lived during a time of shifting social and political landscapes for Jewish people in Europe. His identity as a Jewish artist in Germany informed his artistic choices. While he painted portraits of prominent figures from both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities, Oppenheim also created a series of paintings depicting Jewish life. This drawing of King David allows us to reflect on the complexities of identity, representation, and cultural heritage. It is a window into the artist's world, and invites us to consider the narratives we construct around history, faith, and belonging.