6. Lucas van Leyden
(1494-1533)

The Triumph of David

(click on image to print)
van Leyden: Triumph of David

The Triumph of David

Engraving, ca.1514, 107 x 84 mm., Bartsch 26, New Hollstein 26 a (of c), Niemeijer 26 a (of c). Provenance: Berlin Kupferstichkabinett (Lugt 1606); Holtkott (not in L.). Superb impression on laid paper with thread margins almost all around. The image shows David, holding the head of the slain Goliath, welcomed with music by the women of Israel (I Samuel 18.6) and is one of numerous depictions of Old Testament subjects by Lucas. Lucas was the greatest engraver of his time in the Netherlands and enjoyed a reputation akin to Dürer’s in Germany. The two met on Dürer’s journey to the Netherlands and exchanged prints with each other.