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Original fileDavid's Life: Stealing Saul's Spear and Water Jug
Den Grooten Emblemata Sacra, bestaande in meer dan vier hondert bybelsche figuren, zoo des Ouden als des Nieuwen Testaments
About This Work
A page from a 17th-century Dutch emblem book containing four distinct scenes from the Books of Samuel. David is shown sparing the sleeping King Saul, rescuing families from the Amalekites, refusing to drink water brought by his men at great risk, and mourning the death of Saul. Each scene is framed with a Latin title and four lines of verse explaining the moral significance of David's actions.
These images belong to the 'Mirror of Princes' tradition, using the biblical King David as a Neoplatonic and moral archetype for the ideal ruler. Aegidius Sadeler, who served as the imperial engraver for Rudolf II in Prague, often produced works that blended religious narrative with the intellectual and political ideals of the Habsburg court.
Inscriptions(Latin)
21 REVERENTIA SOSPITALIS Invidiam, fraudes, consulta iniusta minasq. Quis putet officijs vincere posse bonis? Poenituit fortem nullum potuisse querelas Vlcisci propria, nec voluisse manu. 1. Sam. 26. 7. 22 PIETAS ASSERTRIX Ira, dolorq. pius, prudentia, spesq. fidesq. Praelia pro natis coniugibusq. adeunt. Excipit instructu' his animu' victoria pulcra, Quam neq. auara notis inficit invidia. 1. Sam. 30. 17. 23 TEMPERANTIA REGIA Appetere haud miru' est; nocet at retulisse cupita: Sed magis est mentem non domuisse grave. Discrimen tolerare suo pro principe, pulcru' est: Pulcrius at cum Rex hoc cauet ipse suis. 2. Sam. 23. 13. 24 INGENVVS CANDOR Relligionis amor feruens, et publica cura Privata haud curat comoda et invidiam. Perpetuo est dignus regno, qui ferre labores Et casus damnis praetulerit patriae. 2. Sam. 1. 2.
Translation
21 REVERENCE FOR HOSPITALITY Who would think that envy, fraud, unjust counsels, and threats could be overcome by good deeds? It repented the brave man that he could not avenge his grievances, nor did he wish to do so by his own hand. 1 Sam. 26:7. 22 PIETY AS DEFENDER Anger, pious grief, prudence, hope, and faith enter the fray for children and spouses. A beautiful victory receives the soul instructed by these, which greedy envy does not stain with its marks. 1 Sam. 30:17. 23 ROYAL TEMPERANCE It is no wonder to desire; but it is harmful to have brought back what was sought: yet it is more serious not to have mastered the mind. To endure peril for one's prince is noble: but it is nobler when the King himself avoids this for his own people. 2 Sam. 23:13. 24 NOBLE CANDOR A fervent love of religion and public care does not heed private advantages and envy. He is worthy of eternal reign who has preferred to endure labors and misfortunes rather than the losses of his country. 2 Sam. 1:2.
Connected Texts
Aegidius Sadeler
Sadeler was a central figure in the artistic and intellectual circle of Rudolf II's Prague, known for translating complex moral and philosophical themes into engravings.
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Provenance & Source
Object
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
paper
height 107 mm x width 139 mm x height 108 mm x width 139 mm x height 107 mm x width 140 mm x height 107 mm x width 137 mm
emblem
Linked Data
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