David geeft opdracht om de man te doden die Saul de genadestoot gaf 1679 - 1728

This engraving by Abraham de Blois captures a dramatic scene with stark lines and contrasting tones. The composition is structured around a central, theatrical space, framed by classical columns, where David commands the execution of a man. The artist manipulates light and shadow to create depth and focus, drawing our eye to the key figures. David stands powerfully, his gesture firm and decisive, while the kneeling man is caught in a moment of desperate supplication. The surrounding figures act as a chorus, their faces etched with expressions that amplify the scene's intensity. De Blois uses the language of classical architecture, such as pillars, to reinforce themes of justice and authority. The engraving operates within a semiotic system where gestures and expressions carry significant weight, inviting us to consider the complexities of power, obedience, and moral retribution in the context of biblical narrative. Ultimately, the work challenges viewers to question the nature of divine justice and human interpretation, and to reflect upon the enduring questions of leadership and morality.