Ignazio de Ríes (Seville, 1612 - Seville, 1661) attributable
King David playing the harp
Oil on canvas
137 x 102 cm - Framed 150 x 112 cm.
Full details of the artwork (click HERE)
In the center of the canvas emerges the majestic figure of one of the great biblical characters, King David, in a moment of intimate devotion: his expert fingers gracefully pluck the strings of a harp, the instrument he used to sing the praises of the Lord, allowing us to imagine the notes soaring through the air.
His gaze is directed upwards as if drawing inspiration directly from the celestial spheres: according to tradition, with this instrument the king not only delighted his court but had the mystical power to drive away tormented spirits and bring relief to the soul (as happened to King Saul).
It is the portrait of a king, a poet, and a musician, whose soul sings divine praises through notes, offering a powerful and fascinating glimpse into the link between art, faith, and royalty.
Indeed, we see him portrayed in a majestic pose, highlighting his proverbial virtues: royal authority (the crown, the splendid sumptuous and regal garments with the ermine mantle) and the love for poetry in music (the notes written on the book and the precious finely carved lyre).
An interesting detail is the legible notes on the open book and the phrase "Laudate Dominum omnes gentes, laudate eum" (Praise the Lord, all nations, praise him), which often resounds in psalms and Christian liturgy and indicates a universal praise to God, focused on the figure of King David, a central figure of the Old Testament, beloved by God and the promise of an eternal kingdom.
Even the laurel branch, which Baroque art loved to include in its portraits, elevates his intellectual and artistic stature, as tradition attributes the composition of the Psalms to him, and therefore he is often portrayed as the "poet par excellence" of the Bible.
From an attributive point of view, we can place this splendid canvas within the most beautiful tradition of 17th-century Spanish Baroque, and specifically in the circle of Francisco de Zurbarán, a protagonist of Seville's 'Siglo de Oro', a fundamental artistic hub, known for his mystical and austere style, influenced by Caravaggio's realism, and for his solemn and monumental paintings of great religious figures.
His work is characterized by a very eclectic style, in the use of chiaroscuro and in a descriptive technique that pays great attention to the qualities of detail. Our painting is a perfect testament to this, considering the attention to the rendering of the clothing, as well as the jewelry that adorns King David, all belonging to a repertoire frequently found in the works of Zurbarán and his circle.
In particular, the analysis of the different details allows us to connect its execution to the Sevillian Ignacio de Ríes (Seville, 1612 - Seville, 1661), one of his most talented pupils capable of achieving very high levels of quality.
We can easily compare our King David with other portraits by the painter, including San Fernando (Ferdinand III of Castile and León) attributed to Ignacio de Ries, dated around 1655-1665 and currently in the Seville City Hall (img.1, https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rey_Fernando_III.jpg), and again the same subject as ours, King David which De Ries painted around 1650, now at the Prado Museum in Madrid (img2. https://www.museodelprado.es/coleccion/obra-de-arte/el-rey-david/163068e6-ff29-41c3-bbe7-fa0ce5e2b69... ); both these works reveal significant similarities, striking for the delicacy and quality of the modeling, achieved through a subtle gradation of chromatic tones and a sophisticated use of light and shadow; the anatomical precision and the emotional atmosphere are also noteworthy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Presence of restorations and repainting on the surface.
The images were taken using a professional photographic set and lighting.
The work is sold complete with an antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
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It is also possible to view the painting at the gallery in Riva del Garda; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.
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