“The Seed of David,” an oil painting from 1858 by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, exemplifies the Romanticism art movement. This religious painting, measuring 276.8 x 228.6 cm, is housed in Llandaff Cathedral in Llandaff, UK.
The artwork is a triptych, divided into three panels, each depicting a distinct biblical scene tied to the lineage and life of King David. The left panel portrays a youthful David, stripped down to simple attire, holding a staff and sling, symbolizing his role as a shepherd and his victory over Goliath. The central panel is a vibrant Nativity scene, featuring various figures surrounding the infant Jesus, who is placed in a manger with the Virgin Mary in close attendance. The right panel depicts an older King David, seated and solemnly playing his harp, symbolizing his role as both a warrior and a poet-king. Each panel is framed by a golden arch, contributing to the sacred and majestic aura of this religious masterpiece. The detailed and expressive use of color and composition emphasizes the spiritual and historical significance of the scenes depicted.
