Jonathan’s Token to David c. 1868

Frederic Leighton created "Jonathan’s Token to David" to portray a biblical scene from the Book of Samuel. Leighton, who lived from 1830 to 1896, painted during a time when artists were revisiting historical and mythological subjects, often imbuing them with contemporary social and moral values. Here, Jonathan pledges his loyalty and protection to David. The scene carries a homoerotic charge, reflecting the period's complex attitudes toward male relationships. Jonathan, the warrior, displays his muscular physique, while David’s youthful appearance, as emphasized by his bare torso, suggests vulnerability and dependence. Leighton’s decision to represent this intimate moment speaks to Victorian society’s interest in exploring themes of friendship and devotion, but also its complicated negotiations with gender and sexuality. In the tale of David and Jonathan, we might consider how these men found solace and strength in each other. Their deep bond defied the social conventions of their time and continues to resonate with anyone who has found love in unexpected places.