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Lot Essay
David and Jonathan were heroic figures of the kingdom of Israel, whose intimate relationship was recorded favorably in the Old Testament. The biblical story of David and his loving friend Jonathan has long been a source of inspiration for Western homo-erotic art and literature, and has been construed as the one episode in the Judeo-Christian scriptures which affirms, at least, passionate attachment between two males; if not an outright homosexual relationship. The nature of this friendship, however, can only be glimpsed through a veil of legend, given the debate amongst religious scholars as to whether this relationship was platonic, romantic but chaste, or sexual.
The picture is dated 2005, what may arguably be considered the most politically-influenced moment of Pierre et Gilles's career. Thus, they have opted for an undeniably provocative element in order to subvert a controversial image, giving the classic gay icons a modern-day update. The heroes are shown in all of their naked glory; or at least, partially. Jonathan is wearing a traditional Muslim head-dress, while David _ standing with his back to the viewer's eye, showing his perfectly rounded buttocks _ is attired with a Jewish skullcap (yarmulke). The message is evident and needs no further interpretation : Pierre et Gilles's David and Jonathan is an allegory for the unification of two antagonist nations _ Israel and Palestine _ by means of (homo-erotic)love.
The picture is dated 2005, what may arguably be considered the most politically-influenced moment of Pierre et Gilles's career. Thus, they have opted for an undeniably provocative element in order to subvert a controversial image, giving the classic gay icons a modern-day update. The heroes are shown in all of their naked glory; or at least, partially. Jonathan is wearing a traditional Muslim head-dress, while David _ standing with his back to the viewer's eye, showing his perfectly rounded buttocks _ is attired with a Jewish skullcap (yarmulke). The message is evident and needs no further interpretation : Pierre et Gilles's David and Jonathan is an allegory for the unification of two antagonist nations _ Israel and Palestine _ by means of (homo-erotic)love.