Drie ontwerpen voor orgelfiguren: Zangkunst, David en Muziek 1741 - 1801

These three sketches of figures destined for an organ were made by Anthony Ziesenis in the 18th century. Observe the allegorical figures, each representing a facet of musical expression: 'Zangkunst' or vocal art with her book and trumpet, 'David' playing his harp, and 'Muziek' or music, with a cello. The figure of David, the biblical king and musician, sits centrally. David is the archetype of the divinely inspired musician, who we find in the Book of Samuel soothing King Saul with his harp. The harp itself is an ancient symbol, found across cultures and times, from ancient Egypt to Celtic traditions, and is still known today. The emotional and psychological power of music to elevate the spirit is universally felt, and the figure of David embodies this transformative power. Across centuries, these symbols re-emerge, evolve, and take on new resonances. The harp reminds us that music is never truly linear; it echoes through history, reappearing in diverse forms, each infused with the cultural memories of its time.