Artist: Jan Luyken (Dutch, 1649 – 1712)
Title: David dancing before the Ark of the Covenant.
Medium: Antique engraving on laid paper.
Publisher: Frans Houtteyn
Reference: Hollstein / Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts c.1450-1700 ; Luyken 1905 / Het Werk van Jan en Caspar Luyken.
Dimensions: Sight size: 12 7/8 x 17 3/8 inches.
Framed Dimensions: Approximately 22 x 26 inches.
Framing: This piece has been professionally matted and framed using all new materials.
King David’s dance before the Ark of the Covenant, described in 2 Samuel 6, was an exuberant act of worship as the holy Ark was brought to Jerusalem, symbolizing God’s presence; he wore a simple linen ephod, danced with all his might, leading the people in celebration, much to the disdain of his wife Michal, who saw it as undignified, but David defended his joy as being for the Lord.
Jan Luyken (1649–1712) is a well listed artist. He was a prolific Dutch poet, illustrator, and engraver, famous for his detailed, spiritually-focused prints illustrating trades, religious persecution, and mystical themes. after a youthful period of erotic poetry led to a profound conversion to Pietistic Anabaptist Christianity, he became a major figure in Dutch art and literature known for detailed realism.