King David Bartolomeo Passarotti (1529-1592)

The composition presents a male figure, rendered in a manner suggesting considerable age and authority. He is depicted from the waist up, turned slightly towards the viewer, his gaze direct and intense. A crown sits upon his head, signifying royalty or elevated status. His face is heavily lined, with a full, white beard and mustache that contribute to an impression of wisdom and experience gained through years. The eyes are particularly striking; they convey a mixture of solemnity and perhaps a hint of melancholy.
He holds a staff in one hand, grasped firmly, while the other rests upon what appears to be a stringed musical instrument – a violin or similar bowed instrument. This juxtaposition is significant: the staff symbolizes power and dominion, traditionally associated with leadership, whereas the instrument speaks to artistic expression and spiritual solace. The placement of his hand on the instrument suggests an active engagement with music, implying that this figure finds comfort or inspiration through creative pursuits.
The artist employed a limited color palette dominated by warm tones – gold for the cloak draped over his shoulders, ochre in his skin tone, and muted browns and blues for the background. The gold cloak is particularly noteworthy; its richness suggests wealth and prestige. The darkness of the backdrop serves to isolate the figure, drawing attention to his face and the objects he holds.
Subtleties within the painting suggest a complex character. While the crown denotes power, the expression on his face isnt one of triumph or arrogance. Instead, there is an underlying sense of introspection, perhaps even regret. The combination of regal attire and musical instrument hints at a man who carries both responsibility and a deep connection to art – a ruler who finds respite from the burdens of leadership through creative endeavors. The overall effect is that of a contemplative figure, burdened by his position but finding solace in artistic expression.