Song of Songs  IV
1958
Oil on canvas
144.5 x 210.5 cm
Closely resembling one of the set designs for the ballet Aleko, the composition presents David and Bathsheba entwined on the back of a winged horse flying over the city of Jerusalem. The colour of David’s face could illustrate the Yiddish saying "green with emotion".
The horse takes centre stage in the composition and may have several meanings: it embodies the strength of human love, able to reach divine levels, as well as the power of desire and carnal love. Lastly it is Pegasus, the winged horse from Greek mythology and the symbol of poetry.
The comet effect produced by the train of the bride’s dress contributes to the vitality of the composition.