DAVID PLAYING BEFORE SAUL
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DAVID PLAYING BEFORE SAUL
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We don't know much about Cavallino (cah vuh LEE no). He was an Italian, born in Naples. There are only eight paintings remaining that are signed by him. It is possible that some of his paintings were sold with other artists' signatures on them.
He preferred doing small paintings and he liked to paint religious figures and scenes from the Bible. Sometimes he painted characters from Roman mythology.
In the 1600's a disease called bubonic plague killed thousands of people in Europe. It is thought that Cavallino died in the plague in 1656.
In this painting we see David, the shepherd boy, who was also a musician, playing to help to soothe the troubled mind of King Saul. When David played Saul felt better. Today we might refer to this as "music therapy".
Later Saul would become jealous of David because David became very popular with the people. David also became Saul's son-in-law through his marriage to Saul's daughter, Michael.
David was a good friend to Jonathan. Possibly the young man nearest Saul represents his son, Jonathan.
The artist highlights David by showing him in white clothing and making his features distinct.
The story of the friendship of David and Jonathan can be found in the Bible in First Samuel chapter 20.
Worksheet and Activities
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Picture of David Playing Before Saul to print and color.
Online Crossword Puzzle
Cavallino Crossword Puzzle
Work a Jigsaw Puzzle
Child-size Master-pieces Level 2 - Intermediate
By Parent Child Press
All the art reproductions in this volume are to be used with the handbook How to Use Child-Size Masterpieces for Art Appreciation (#59784). This handbook enables parents and/or teachers-who need not be art experts-to introduce fine paintings to children of all ages.
Bernardo Cavallino Online
Other works by Cavallino
Biography of Cavallino
Famous Artists in this Series
Index to Famous Paintings
Art Appreciation
Lessons for Kids
Art Gallery Famous Paintings Volume 1
Art Gallery Famous Paintings Volume 2
Graphic, "David Playing Before Saul", by Cavallino, 1616-1656 courtesy of CGFA Virtual Art Museum
