The artwork entitled “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)” was created by the artist Marc Chagall in approximately 1956 in France. It is an etching on paper measuring 32 x 24 cm, reflecting the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. This piece falls under the genre of religious painting and is part of the “Etchings for the Bible” series produced between 1930-1939 and 1952-1956.
The artwork portrays a somber scene from the Bible, specifically II Samuel 1:17-27, wherein David mourns the loss of his closest friend, Jonathan, who was slain in battle against the Philistines. In the etching, David is depicted with a harp, symbolizing his sorrow and the mournful song he sings. The composition is simple yet evocative, utilizing Chagall’s distinctive style to convey emotional depth and reverence for the biblical narrative. The monochromatic tones and gentle lines highlight the solemn and reflective nature of the moment, encapsulating the grief and poignant tribute paid by David to his fallen friend.
