Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Prayer Bead with the Story of King David
Not on view
Like curtains at the theater, two tiny hinged wings and a medallion carved in low relief can all be opened so that the drama of the biblical king David’s life unfolds act by act. For Christians, David was a model ruler. The top half of the bead celebrates his prowess in battle. The lower bead, on the other hand, emphasizes that David’s laudable character, recognized by his virtuous wife Abigail, was compromised by his murderous passion for Bathsheba.
Left wing, outside: David kills a lion to protect his sheep
Right wing, outside: The prophet Samuel blesses David
Left wing, inside: David removes the armor of Saul
Center stage: David beheads Goliath
Right wing, inside: Saul and David carry Goliath’s head
Medallion, outside: The women of Israel greet Saul and David with tambourines
Lower main stage: Abigail kneels before David
Medallion, inside: David watches Bathsheba bathe
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