“King David Playing a Psaltery,” created by Fra Angelico circa 1430, is a religious painting rendered with pen, ink, and vellum. This exquisite work is a part of the Early Renaissance art movement and is housed in the British Museum in London, UK.
The artwork depicts King David, an iconic Biblical figure, immersed in the act of playing a psaltery, a type of ancient stringed musical instrument. King David is portrayed seated on what appears to be a bench or a throne, his head slightly raised as if in contemplation or prayer. He is adorned with royal garments and a crown, signifying his status as a king. The intricate details of his attire, coupled with the delicate rendering of his facial expression and the instrument, exemplify the meticulousness characteristic of Fra Angelico’s style. The background remains minimal, emphasizing the figure of King David and highlighting his pious devotion to music and his spiritual connection with God. The inscription “Prophaeta David” further identifies the subject, linking it unmistakably to King David.
