Portret van Koning David in medaillon binnen rechthoekige omlijsting met ornamenten 1594

Nicolaes de Bruyn created this engraving of King David in a medallion within a rectangular frame, sometime between 1571 and 1656. David, King of Israel, is a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, often seen as a symbol of righteous kingship and divine favor. Here, David is depicted with a harp, referencing his musical talents and the psalms attributed to him. He is framed by images of a lion, bear and wolf. De Bruyn, working in the Dutch Golden Age, infuses the image with the era’s characteristic detail and symbolism, but I think it's important to ask ourselves what kind of King is being presented here? The ornamentations might suggest power and divinity, but the relatively humble depiction of King David—a man celebrated for both his triumphs and his flaws—prompts reflection on leadership. How does the symbolism in the image resonate with the complex identity of a king, poet, and warrior? This engraving not only captures a biblical figure, but also invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of identity, power, and faith.