The artwork titled “David killed a lion that threatened his flock (I Samuel, XVII, 34, 36)” was created by Marc Chagall circa 1956 in France. This piece is an etching on paper, measuring 32.8 by 25.3 centimeters, and belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. It is part of the “Etchings for the Bible” series, a collection of works spanning from 1930-1939 and 1952-1956. The artwork depicts a religious scene, specifically the biblical story of David who protected his flock by killing a threatening lion.
In the etching, a striking dynamic portrayal of David in the act of attacking the lion can be seen. The composition’s fluid lines and expressive forms are characteristic of Chagall’s style, capturing the tension and movement in the encounter. David is depicted with an upraised arm, poised to deliver a blow to the lion, whose detailed and somewhat fearsome features contrast with the ethereal and energetic depiction of David. The use of shadow and light effectively conveys the drama of the scene, evoking a sense of divine intervention and heroism in this piece of religious imagery.
