The artwork, “David and Jonathan,” created by Gustave Doré, belongs to the Romanticism art movement and falls under the genre of religious painting. This piece is part of a larger series titled “The Holy Bible.”
“David and Jonathan” beautifully encapsulates a moment of profound biblical significance, illustrating the deep and abiding friendship between the two titular figures. Set against a lush, wooded backdrop, the scene depicts David sitting near a small body of water, his posture suggestive of contemplation or sorrow. Jonathan stands beside David, leaning towards him, seemingly offering words of comfort or advice. The dense foliage and intricate detailing of the surrounding landscape exemplify Doré’s mastery in rendering natural environments, enhancing the emotional gravity of the scene. The poetic engraving is further enriched by a quote from the First Book of Samuel inscribed below: “And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace… The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever…” (I Samuel 20:42), encapsulating the eternal bond portrayed in the artwork.
