1602
gouache
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
David Playing the Harp Before Saul is a 1602 gouache by Bernardo Castello, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This drawing shows a group of figures in a grand room with tall columns and a throne. A crowned man sits on the throne, holding a harp, while another man stands beside him holding a spear. Around them, other figures stand in armor or robes, some holding shields and flags. The scene looks like a mix of royalty and warriors, with careful lines and soft shading. The artist used a mix of ink, chalk, and white paint on blue paper to make the figures stand out. The throne and crown suggest this is a story about power or kings. The harp player looks calm, while the others seem ready for action. Next, look up Renaissance to see how this style shaped art and stories.
Bernardo Castello (1557–1629) was an Italian painter of the late Mannerist style, active mainly in Genoa and Liguria. He is mainly known as a portrait and historical painter.
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