Jan Havicksz. Steen ca. 1626 – 1679

David's Triumphant Return

oil on canvas (107 × 159 cm) — 1671 Museum Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen

Jan Havicksz. Steen biography

This work is linked to 1 Samuel 18:6

Tags: David

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David returns to Jerusalem after having defeated the Philistines and their giant Goliath. He is greeted by celebrations and dancing women. David carries Goliath's huge sword. In the background are Jerusalem's city walls.

During the festivities king Saul was grieved when he noticed that David was much more popular than he.

The canvas could use some cleaning: the colours are not as vivid as Steen probably painted them.

There is text on the pillar that the kid is looking at. Loosely translated from 17th century Dutch it reads:

Soli Deo Gloria
It has pleased God
That David has dared
To beat Goliath
And hurt Saul in his heart
Victorious he steps forth
Here welcomed by his bride.

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