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Original fileDavid's Life: Jonathan and David's Covenant
David, hoc est virtutis exercitatissimae probatum Deo spectaculum, ex David pastoris militis ducis exulis ac prophetae exemplis
About This Work
A four-panel engraving illustrating moral exemplars from the First Book of Samuel. The scenes depict David's covenant with Jonathan, his mercy in sparing the sleeping King Saul, Nabal's rejection of David's messengers, and Abigail's diplomatic intervention to soothe David's anger. Each panel features a Latin title and poetic verses that interpret the biblical narrative as a lesson in ethics.
Produced by the imperial engraver for Rudolf II, this work reflects the Prague court's interest in 'virtus' and the moral education of the prince. It aligns with the Neo-Stoic and Neoplatonic synthesis of the late Renaissance, where biblical heroes were viewed as archetypes of psychological and spiritual mastery.
Inscriptions(Latin)
17. VIRTVTIS VERÆ LIBERALITAS Sancta fides iunctos animos confirmat, et aretis Innodat sacri nexibus officij. 1 Sam 23. v. 16. Sponte bonum petit atq, colit, ceditq, supernis Legibus, et prefert quem Deus antetulit. 17. 18. FORTITVDO INNOCENS Afficit exiguos animos, mentesque minutas Vltio, magnanimis non bene grata viris. 1 Sam 24. Non est ut possis inimicum perdere tanti Quanti animam ut sospes debeat ille tibi. 18. 19. INGRATA AVARITIA Et res et tutas animas fiducia seruat, Vicinus fortis cum subit atque pius. 1 Sam 25. 2. Innocuos tamen irritat vicinus auarus, Accepti et ledit non memor officij. 19. 20. PRVDENTIA SALVTARIS Excipit incensos irarum fulminis ignes Prudens sermo pio sedulus obsequio. 1 Sam 25. 18. Pectoris ingenui feruor placatur honestis Et gaudens cedit vocibus ac monitis. 20.
Translation
17. THE LIBERALITY OF TRUE VIRTUE Holy faith confirms united souls, and binds them With the tight knots of sacred duty. 1 Sam 23. v. 16. Freely it seeks and cultivates the good, and yields to heavenly Laws, and prefers whom God has preferred. 17. 18. INNOCENT FORTITUDE Revenge affects small souls and petty minds, But is not pleasing to magnanimous men. 1 Sam 24. It is not for you to destroy an enemy at such a cost That he should owe his life to you for his safety. 18. 19. UNGRATEFUL AVARICE Trust preserves both property and safe souls, When a strong and pious neighbor approaches. 1 Sam 25. 2. Yet the avaricious neighbor irritates the innocent, And harms them, unmindful of the duty received. 19. 20. SALUTARY PRUDENCE Prudent speech, with pious devotion, diligently Receives the burning fires of the lightning of anger. 1 Sam 25. 18. The fervor of a noble heart is appeased by honest things, And rejoicing, it yields to words and admonitions. 20.
Connected Texts
Justus Lipsius
Lipsius's Neo-Stoic philosophy on the control of passions (like anger and vengeance) is reflected in the moralizing captions of David's conduct.
First Book of Samuel
The primary biblical source for the four depicted episodes.
Provenance & Source
Object
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
paper
height 104 mm x width 138 mm x height 107 mm x width 139 mm x height 109 mm x width 139 mm x height 107 mm x width 139 mm
emblem
Linked Data
AI AI-cataloged fields generated by gemini-3-flash-preview on April 2, 2026. Getty identifiers are AI-inferred and may require verification.