'The Prophet Nathan rebukes King David' painting by E. Siberdt

The oil painting depicts the biblical scene of the Prophet Nathan admonishing King David. Nathan, stood to the centre left of the composition, points at King David, who is seated to the centre right, and exclaims 'You are the man'. The composition is set in an interior with guardsmen and courtiers. The painting is set in a parcel gilt amboyna wood frame, and signed to the lower left 'Eugene Siberdt'.

In the months following his infamous adultery and murder, David exercised no obvious fruits of repentance. While he did go to lengths to conceal his sin, it was manifestly a series of ploys intended to keep him from getting caught. Even though David thereby exhibited an understanding that his actions might lead to political repercussions, he still showed no evidence that he felt genuine conscience-pangs during this time. But all of this changed when God sent Nathan to confront the King. Nathan told a story about a greedy man who stole and killed his neighbour’s beloved sheep. When David ordered the death-sentence for this man, Nathan responded directly 'You are the man'. David was immediately cut to the heart, and he responded with true repentance.