The Reception of the Figure of David in Late Antique Synagogue Art

Updated by: 
Shiran Shevah
Research notes: 
SHS/not checked/11/04/2018
Reference type: 
Book section
Author(s): 
Xeravits, Géza G.
year: 
2018
Full title: 

The Reception of the Figure of David in Late Antique Synagogue Art

Journal / Book Title || Series Title: 
Figures who Shape Scriptures, Scriptures that Shape Figures: Essays in Honour of Benjamin G. Wright III
Issue / Series Volume: 
40
Series Title: 
Deuterocanonical and Cognate Literature Studies
Editor(s): 
Géza G. Xeravits
Greg Schmidt Goering
Place of Publication: 
Berlin/New York
Publisher: 
De Gruyter
Pages: 
71-90
Work type: 
Essay/Monograph
Abstract: 

Depictions of David in Late Antique synagogue art interpret him as a pre-eminent figure of Israel’s past. As triumphant over Goliath, he exemplifies the superiority o f the small Israel over the wealthier surrounding peoples. As the one playing on a lyre, he illustrates his role in establishing formal aspects of Jewish worship, interpreting the synagogue as a kind of continuation of the Temple liturgy. Finally, the Dura murals highlight, on the one hand, David’s virtues and offer in his figure a moral example for the members of the community; on the other hand, his divinely ordered rule compared with several pagan authorities’ benevolent attitude towards Jews consists of a message of consolation and encouragement in turbulent times.

URL: 
https://www.degruyter.com/view/books/9783110596373/9783110596373-005/9783110596373-005.xml
Label: 
16/04/2018
Record number: 
103 536