Saul 1899

Jozef Israëls' "Saul" from 1899 depicts the biblical king Saul, a prominent figure in Jewish history, in a moment of profound anguish. Painted in a loose, expressive style, the composition features the figure of Saul in a recumbent pose, his head resting on his hand, as if overcome by despair. The use of muted colors, particularly browns and grays, contributes to the somber mood of the piece, highlighting the theme of suffering and the weight of responsibility. Israëls' painting captures the emotional turmoil of a powerful leader wrestling with internal conflict, resonating with viewers across time.