Visioen van koning David 1655 - 1731

This is an engraving called "Vision of King David." We don't know who made it or when, but it sits here in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. It depicts King David as he receives divine inspiration to write the Psalms, the skull and angel could be interpreted in many ways, as a memento mori, or a symbol of death and divine intervention. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. It's important to look at how the image was produced and for whom. Was this image commissioned? Was it to be distributed to a small group of wealthy individuals or mass-produced for a larger audience? These are important factors when considering the image's cultural and institutional history. Understanding art means locating it within social and institutional contexts. Further research into the printmaking industry in this period, the role of religion, and the political context might reveal more about the artist's intentions and the image's reception.