Exhibition Highlights Images of King David from the Getty Museum's Collection of Psalm Illustrations
The First Art Newspaper on the Net    Established in 1996 Wednesday, September 24, 2025


Exhibition Highlights Images of King David from the Getty Museum's Collection of Psalm Illustrations
Unknown, David Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, 15th century. Tempera colors and gold leaf on parchment. Leaf: 11.9 X 17 cm. 2008.3.14. The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, Ms, 101, fol. 14



LOS ANGELES, CA.- Whether sung, spoken, or silently read, the Psalms and their illuminations played a central role in medieval Christianity. On view at the J. Paul Getty Museum, June 9 – August 16, 2009, Temptation and Salvation: The Psalms of King David features splendidly illuminated manuscripts and leaves from the Museum’s collection that reveal the importance of the Psalms in medieval devotion.

The 150 Psalms of the Bible, believed to be the work of King David, were essential to Christian religious life throughout the Middle Ages, and their elusive poetry attracted both written interpretation and painted decoration. Originally composed in Hebrew and incorporated into both the Hebrew and later the Christian Bible, the 150 “songs of praise” include laments as well as prayers of thanks and praise. Their wide range of uses is reflected in the multitude of manuscripts in which they are found and in the variety of images that accompany them.

“This exhibition illustrates the various ways that medieval artists illustrated the Psalms,” says Elizabeth Morrison, curator of manuscripts. “At times they concentrated on the literal meaning of single verses, and at other times addressed broader themes, such as the role of the Psalms in preparing the Christian faithful for the Last Judgment.”

King David is the most common figure to appear in Psalm illustrations. The story of David was well known in the Middle Ages and he was frequently depicted in illustrations as a humble shepherd and musician who became a divinely chosen king. Included in the exhibition is a miniature (image shown on the left) of David’s famous victory over Goliath. David is shown as a tiny figure compared to Goliath to inspire a sense of the enormity of David’s task.

Medieval illustrations of David’s life went beyond his rags-to-riches story. Many illustrations focus on David’s spiritual transformation in order to show that, despite David’s sins, his penitence could serve as a model for salvation. David became an example for medieval Christians, and the words and accompanying images of his Psalms inspired readers to follow in his footsteps toward salvation. This exhibition includes an illustration from a psalter manuscript (image shown on the first page) that depicts an angel guarding David from above and a demon tugging on his robe from below. This image embodies David’s inner struggle between good and evil.

“The images of King David shown in this exhibition demonstrate the different ways David’s life and spiritual journey were depicted in Psalm illustrations,” adds Elizabeth Morrison. “Essentially they served as examples to be imitated by faithful Christians.”

Temptation and Salvation: The Psalms of King David is co-curated by Mary Flannery, University of London , and Elizabeth Morrison, curator of manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum.











Today's News

March 11, 2009

El Greco: Toledo 1900 Studies the Rediscovery of the Artist at the Beginning of the Century

Largest Retrospective Ever in Spain for Julio Gonzalez Opens at the Reina Sofia

Smithsonian Uncovers Secret Message Inside Abraham Lincoln's Watch

Exhibition Highlights Images of King David from the Getty Museum's Collection of Psalm Illustrations

Sotheby's Hong Kong to Hold 20th Century Chinese Art Spring Sale 2009 on April 6

Museo del Prado Opens New Study Center Library for Researchers and Art Historians

Nike and Lance Armstrong Unite to Launch "Stages," a Global Art Exhibition to Raise Funds

Major Late Landscape by Millais, Dew-Drenched Furze, Donated to Tate

Christie's to Offer Exquisite Photographic Masterworks from Private Collections this March

MoMA Exhibition Looks at Paper as a Source of Artistic Experimentation Beginning in the 1960s

The Bowes Museum to Open Exhibition Celebrating 60 Years of BBC Children's Programs

Caixaforum Madrid Opens Maurice de Vlaminck, a Fauve Instinct. Paintings from 1900

Winner of KLM Paul Huf Award to be Announced on March 13

Michael J. Audain Appointed Chairman of the National Gallery of Canada's Board of Trustees

Austin Museum of Art Announces Reorganization, Promotions, Curator Search

Free Lecture on Great Women Artists in the Clark Collection

Exhibition Exploring Contemporary Social Issues by Sandow Berk to Open at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in April

Getty Conservation Institute Helps Relaunch International Course on Stone Conservation to be Held in Venice

"The Kiss" Leaves Tate Liverpool and There's a New Sculpture in Town

Bellevue Arts Museum to be Open Seven Days a Week, Including Mondays

ArtNow: Recent Work by the University of Utah Art Faculty




Museums, Exhibits, Artists, Milestones, Digital Art, Architecture, Photography,
Photographers, Special Photos, Special Reports, Featured Stories, Auctions, Art Fairs,
Anecdotes, Art Quiz, Education, Mythology, 3D Images, Last Week, .

 




Founder:
Ignacio Villarreal
(1941 - 2019)


Editor: Ofelia Zurbia Betancourt

Art Director: Juan José Sepúlveda Ramírez

Royalville Communications, Inc
produces:

ignaciovillarreal.org facundocabral-elfinal.org
Founder's Site. Hommage
       

The First Art Newspaper on the Net. The Best Versions Of Ave Maria Song Junco de la Vega Site Ignacio Villarreal Site
Tell a Friend
Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know.
Please complete all fields marked *.
Sending Mail
Sending Successful