Koning David 1696 - 1727

Matthijs Pool created this drawing of King David using pen in the late 17th or early 18th century. In this period, there was a fascination with exoticism, which can be seen in the orientalizing details of David’s turban and attire. David, a central figure in Judeo-Christian traditions, is presented here through the lens of cultural imagination, reflecting the complex relationship between Europe and the ‘Orient’ at the time. How does Pool’s choice to depict David in such attire affect our reading of the biblical figure? Does it enrich the narrative, or does it dilute the essence of his story? The image invites us to consider the role of cultural appropriation in art and storytelling. It reveals how identity can be both celebrated and distorted through artistic representation. Think about how the artist's cultural context and personal interpretations shape our understanding of historical and religious figures.