Description
King David wears a jeweled crown and red royal robe beneath a dark cloak, holding an open psalm scroll. His raised hand and halo present him in the Christian iconographic tradition of the righteous king and prophet. The scroll, rather than a harp or a battle scene, makes prayer the distinguishing theme of this version.
David in Scripture and Christian tradition
The Books of Samuel describe David's kingship and his establishment in Jerusalem. Christian tradition also remembers him as an ancestor of Jesus and as a psalmist. Many psalms bear his name, but this traditional association does not mean that he composed every psalm in the biblical collection.
The prayer on the scroll
The English inscription begins Hear my prayer, O Lord and follows the opening of Psalm 143, numbered 142 in the Greek tradition. This penitential psalm appeals to God's faithfulness and asks for guidance. Its presence shifts attention from royal power to a person seeking God's help.
For reading and praying the Psalms
The icon can accompany a Bible reading space, a home prayer corner or parish catechesis on the Old Testament. It is also a patronal gift for someone named David. The crown and scroll offer a clear way to discuss kingship, repentance and prayer without reducing David's life to military victory.
Made in Poland on linden wood
Art Christiana makes this icon to order on a linden-wood board with two coats of primer. The image is printed directly onto the prepared surface and finished with decorative gold-tone metal leaf (schlagmetal). A certificate bearing the production year and a hanging fixture are attached to the back.