Saul Seeking to Smite David with the Javelin c. 1579

Editor: Here we have Hans Collaert the Elder’s “Saul Seeking to Smite David with the Javelin.” It’s hard to say when it was made, and it’s part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. This scene is incredibly tense; what do you see in it? Curator: Absolutely. Notice how David is set apart, bathed in light, holding the harp, symbol of peace and divine favor. See how Saul, cloaked in darkness and rage, attempts violence. It evokes the archetypal struggle between good and evil, order and chaos. It's fascinating how Collaert uses these familiar symbols to tell a complex story. Editor: That contrast really stands out now. It makes me wonder about the power of symbols to shape how we understand narratives. Curator: Indeed. These enduring motifs echo through time, shaping our understanding of conflict and redemption.