Saul werpt zijn speer naar David 1650 - 1660

Nicolaes Maes made this drawing of Saul casting his spear at David in the Netherlands sometime in the 17th century, and it depicts an episode from the Old Testament book of Samuel. Maes's sketch resonates with the themes of power and paranoia common in the Dutch Golden Age. During this period, the Dutch Republic struggled to define itself in relation to monarchies and empires. The story of Saul's irrational rage towards David might have served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked authority. The loose, energetic lines of the drawing style add to the sense of emotional turmoil. To fully appreciate this work, one might consider its place within the artistic and political landscape of the Dutch Republic. By researching period sources, such as political pamphlets and contemporary artistic treatises, we gain a fuller understanding of the social meanings embedded within this seemingly simple sketch.