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On chamois Van Gelder Zonen laid paper. One of a few copies. Signed lower right, inscribed “Second State No. 9” lower left, additionally inscribed “II, 9” in the lower left corner, and titled “Saul and David” in the center.
Schiefler-Mosel does not specify the number of copies for this etching, unlike almost all other prints by Emil Nolde they have recorded. However, according to the inscriptions on the present copy, there must have been at least nine copies of the second state. However, the etching is rarely offered for sale.
One of the biblical scenes that became highly significant in Nolde’s work from 1909 onwards. This one is from the Old Testament: King Saul was tormented by an evil spirit. Young David, who was a great zither player, was summoned. When the zither sounded, “Saul felt better and better, and the evil spirit departed from him” (1 Samuel 16:14–23). Saul’s face is furrowed by deep depression. Behind him on the right is little David, with the zither he plays between them. He looks anxiously at Saul, wondering whether his playing was having an effect or whether another outburst of despair was imminent.
Item Id. 76991
