Samuel Cursing Saul, by Hans Holbein the Younger

Samuel Cursing Saul. Pen and brown ink over chalk drawing, with watercolour and grey and brown wash, 2.1 × 2.15 cm, Kunstmuseum Basel.
This drawing is one of a few surviving designs for wall paintings at the Council Chamber of Basel Town Hall. Holbein began working on the murals during the 1520s, painting classical subjects. After his return from a two-year visit to England (1526–28), he was commissioned to resume the task, but this time he was asked to provide murals based on Old Testament subjects, in keeping with the new Reformation doctrines of the authorities. These murals were one of several large-scale projects undertaken by Holbein that are now known only from a few fragments and preparatory sketches. The design shows King Saul rejecting Samuel's counsel on the treatment of the defeated Amelekites and their king, Agag. As a result of rejecting orders brought by Samuel from God, Saul was cursed by the prophet and lost his kingdom. The murals reminded the councillors of the need for wise and godly government. (Müller, p. 414)