King David

King David's reign is traditionally dated as beginning in 1000 BC. Christian images of King David go back at least as far as the catacombs (example).

Many of the Psalms are headed "Psalm of David" and he was taken to be the composer of the entire Psalter. For this reason, his attributes are a harp and whatever signifies royalty at the time of the painting. For most of the high middle ages, that means a crown, as at left. However, in the first millenium David's kingship can be expressed by such signifiers as sitting on a throne (example) or standing under an imperial arch (example).

At left, 15th-century Italian painting

Narrative
images:
The Calling of David: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (cached)
David and Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:1-54 (cached)
David Anointed King: 2 Samuel 5:1-4 (cached)*
David Anointed King:
2 Samuel 5:1-4 (cached)*
King David and Bathsheba: 2 Samuel 11:1-5 (cached)


*Also see
2 Samuel 2:4 (cached)

Hagiography:
From Caxton's extensions to the Golden Legend: html or pdf

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