The artwork titled “David on his throne hosts his rebellious son Absalom, forgives him and kisses him (II Samuel, XIV, 28-33)” was created by Marc Chagall around the year 1956 in France. This piece is an etching on paper, crafted in the style of Naïve Art (Primitivism). It measures 31.5 x 25 cm and belongs to the genre of religious painting. Moreover, it is part of the series “Etchings for the Bible,” created between 1930-1939 and 1952-1956.
The composition of the artwork portrays a dramatic biblical scene where King David, seated on his throne, receives and forgives his rebellious son, Absalom. Absalom is depicted kneeling before David, who leans forward to kiss him, encapsulating the moment of forgiveness. The backdrop, though sparsely detailed, evokes a royal setting with elements suggesting opulence and grandeur, such as drapery and columns. The etching technique, characterized by its meticulous line work and shading, adds depth and emotional intensity to the scene, rendering the figures with a raw and almost dreamlike quality. Chagall’s unique style imbues the biblical narrative with a sense of timelessness, capturing both the gravity and the humanity of the event.
