David and Goliath Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610)

Description of Caravaggio’s David and Goliath (1601)

This painting was commissioned from the artist by Cardinal Scipione Borghese. David and Goliath, based on biblical information, were heroes of antiquity. David was to be king of the Jews, and Goliath was a giant - a Philistine. One of the biblical legends tells of a confrontation between these two characters. Goliath’s hometown was Geth, and he himself came from the Rephaim tribe of the Gerasenes. During the reign of Saul, this giant terrified the Israelite army, fighting on the side of the Philistines and distinguished by his incredible strength and cruelty.

David was a young shepherd boy who became one of the Israelite king’s soldiers. He heard about Goliath, whom even the bravest soldiers feared. But showing tremendous courage and valor, the future king challenged the giant to a duel that ended in his favor. He struck him with a stone embedded in a sling. If we believe ancient information, then the height of Goliath was more than three meters. Many writers have mentioned giants who were of this height. The armament of the Philistine, who was chained in scaly metal armor and wore a heavy copper helmet, is described in detail. His sword weighed about ten kilograms.

This type of painting is religious, and exactly repeats one of the biblical stories. Caravaggio’s painting is characterized by a sharp contrast of shadows and light, which he carefully worked into the canvas. The images of his characters are idealized, and the subject matter of the paintings is saturated with allegories. The painter’s work gives a sense of volume, creates emotional tension and emphasizes the simplicity of the characters. The painting seems to be incredibly soft and moving, characterized by drama, reflecting the life of the artist. His canvases are plastic and contrasting, evoking a strong affectation of feelings.