King David as Orpheus in a synagogue mosaic

King David, identified by a Hebrew inscription, is depicted here as Orpheus, the hero from Greek mythology whose music was more beautiful than that of any mortal. He is shown seated on a throne, wearing a royal robe and a crown, his head surrounded by a halo. A lyre rests in his lap, and around him is an audience of animals transfixed by his playing: a lioness, a snake, and possibly a deer. David's association with music is a prominent motif in the Bible, thus making Orpheus a fitting prototype.