David, hoc est virtutis exercitatissimae probatum Deo spectaculum, ex David pastoris, militis, regis, exulis, ac prophetae exemplis
This is a Latin devotional book of 1637 published in Amsterdam by N. I. Visscher, with text by Benito Arias Montano and engravings after designs by Philippe Galle, presenting scenes from the life of David for a learned Christian readership. The hand-coloured plates show armoured figures in tents, camps and walled cities, with dramatic gestures of crowning, handshakes and confrontation. A designer could draw on their dense crowd compositions, layered architectural backdrops and strong red and blue costume colour against pale skin tones.
