King David
ca. 1620 | Leonhard Kern
King David is clad as a Roman military leader, with breast plate, short tunic, cuisses and a draped mantle. On the other hand, his crown, decorated with lilies, reminds one of traditional Gothic insignia. The biblical singer strums a harp as David is believed to be the author of the psalms and is therefore considered the patron of poets and musicians. His massive athletic body charmingly contrasts with the delicate movement of the hands. Leonhard Kern's masterly skill in carving combines a superb understanding of human anatomy with a broad, almost cubic concept, to achieve a work of timeless classicism.
King David is clad as a Roman military leader, with breast plate, short tunic, cuisses and a draped mantle. On the other hand, his crown, decorated with lilies, reminds one of traditional Gothic insignia. The biblical singer strums a harp as David is believed to be the author of the psalms and is therefore considered the patron of poets and musicians. His massive athletic body charmingly contrasts with the delicate movement of the hands. Leonhard Kern's masterly skill in carving combines a superb understanding of human anatomy with a broad, almost cubic concept, to achieve a work of timeless classicism.
Artist:
Leonhard Kern (1588 Forchtenberg - 1662 Schwäbisch Hall) DNB
Time:
ca. 1620
Object Name
Statuette; ivory carving
Culture
Schwäbisch Hall
Material/technology:
Ivory
Dimensions:
32,8 cm × 13,6 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer
Invs.
Kunstkammer, 4573
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