Having heard about the death of Jonathan, his closest friend, which had been killed in battle against the Philistines, David cries and sings a mournful song (II Samuel, I, 17-27)

Having heard about the death of Jonathan, his closest friend, which had been killed in battle against the Philistines, David cries and sings a mournful song (II Samuel, I, 17-27) by Marc Chagall
Artist
Marc Chagall
Date
c.1956 ; France
Style
Naïve art
Genre
Religious painting
This poignant religious painting depicts David mourning the death of his closest friend, Jonathan, slain in battle against the Philistines. The scene captures David’s raw emotion as he cries and sings a mournful etching-like expression of grief, emphasizing his deep sorrow. Rendered on paper with simplicity and sincerity reminiscent of Naïve art (primitivism), the artwork evokes intimacy and spiritual reflection. Its lyrical composition underscores the biblical story from II Samuel, I, 17-27, illustrating the profound human connection and mourning through a timeless visual language.

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