David: "Oh, that I had wings like a Dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest." Psalm 55:61865 · Study 1986.74

Context from the museum

From the many events in the turbulent life of the biblical King David, Leighton chose to depict his moment of gravest doubt. Having just learned of the death of his rebellious son Absalom at the hands of his own army, David has withdrawn to a chamber above the city gate. Casting aside his crown, which lies on the floor, the ruler muses on the conflicting demands of family and nation.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for David: "Oh, that I had wings like a Dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest." Psalm 55:6 is 122.5 cm wide and 96.5 cm high, equivalent to approximately 48.2 × 38.0 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 1.27:1. The rectangular bounding area is 1.18 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 40.8% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 88.8 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With David: "Oh, that I had wings like a Dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest." Psalm 55:6 in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on fabric, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this horizontal composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 122.5 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?