David and Jonathan is a painting created by Rembrandt in 1642 that depicts the Old Testament story of the two figures. The painting is part of the Hermitage Museum’s collection, which acquired it in 1882 when it started its art collection. It is an oil painting on oak, one of Rembrandt’s masterpieces that resonate with his personal experiences.
The painted scene shows Jonathan warning David about imminent danger from Saul and advising him to run away. This subject matter reflects Rembrandt’s artistic style known for its mastery of light, texture, and emotional depth in telling stories. Indeed, he delivered this masterpiece during a tumultuous time of his life as he had just lost his wife, Saskia, the same year.
