David in the Carolingian Renaissance
In this sumptuous illustration from a Bible made for Charlemagne’s grandson Charles the Bald, the central figure is David, the composer of the Psalms, who is playing the harp and dancing on a cloud. Above and below him are his musicians with their instruments. The influence of earlier models is clear in the two figures flanking David, who are dressed like soldiers in the late Roman Empire. (Scala / White Images / Art Resource, NY.)