Information

This woodblock was originally engraved for an illustration to be used in the 'Dalziels' Bible Gallery' (pub. 1881). However, it was not included in the original book. It was ultimately published in 1894 when it appeared in 'Art Pictures from the Old Testament' (p. 148). This was a new version of the 'Bible Gallery' with an accompanying text and twenty-seven additional illustrations. The design on this woodblock depicts a scene based on the book of Samuel (1 Sam 16: 23), in which David plays his harp to soothe melancholic Saul. Solomon had already used this subject for the painting 'David playing before Saul' (1859, untraced). Scenes from the life of David appear to have interested him since he was a child (Colin Cruise, Love Revealed: Simeon Solomon and the Pre-Raphaelites, p. 78).

  • Acquired through the Executors of J N Hart, c.1965.
  • © Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

Makers

Association Artist Organisation
After a design by Simeon Solomon -
Engraver - Dalziel Brothers

Inscriptions

Type Position(s) Method Date(s) Notes
DALZIELSc SS
Signature Front Engraved - In reverse. SS in monogram
 
Dalziel / 83/ David & Saul/ Saml Chap 16 v 23 / AND DAVID / TOOK AN HARP/
Title reverse Handwritten - Dalziel written top to bottom. 'Dalziel, ' David and Saul' and 'Saml' ch 16 v 23 in the hand of the Dalziel brothers. 'An David took an Harp' in a different hand.. Ink.
 
C. WELLS 24 BOUVERIE / STREET / LONDON
Manufacturer's name edge Engraved -
 

Exhibitions

Catalogue No. Venue Date(s)
Love Revealed: Simeon Solomon and the Pre-Raphaelites
18b Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery 2005-10-01 - 2006-01-15
18b Museum Villa Stuck, Munich 2006-03-09 - 2006-06-18
18b Ben Uri Gallery, The London Jewish Museum of Art 2006-09-11 - 2006-11-26
 

Literature

Author(s) Date(s) Publisher Pages
Love Revealed: Simeon Solomon and the Pre-Raphaelites
Colin Cruise 2005 Merrell, London and New York cat, 18b, p. 78 repr. 78

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