David's Farewell to Jonathan

Catalogue number: Bredius 511.

The subject is taken from the First Book of Samuel (20: 35-42). David was close friends with the son of King Saul, Prince Jonathan, who gave him valuable presents of clothes and weapons. Saul, who suspected David of pretensions to the royal throne, sought to kill him, but when Jonathan learned of his father's intention, he warned his friend of the danger and advised him to run away. The painting represents David embracing Jonathan.