David with the Head of Goliath
Factual Information:
From: Italy
Period: 1609
Period: 1609
General Information:
This rather morbid painting is by the Italian baroque artist Caravaggio. In the painting a rather modest depiction of David is holding the dismembered head of Goliath. The background is blacked out, with the light primarily focusing on one side of David and one side of the face of Goliath. This particular style of painting is a style that Caravaggio mastered. Caravaggio painted this painting as a gift to Carindal Borghese, the papal official with the capability to pardon Caravaggio with the charges of murder that Caravaggio attempted to escape. The head of Goliath is actually a self portrait of Caravaggio, which is interesting as it makes the viewer wonder why Caravaggio would portray himself this way. Is he offering up his head to the Cardinal? The reason is unclear. David is not shown as joyous, or happy, or even confident like most other depictions of him. Rather he is showing a combination of sadness and compassion, bringing a new meaning to love your enemy. Another interesting part of the painting is the engraving on the sword in latin which reads, "Humility kills pride".
Why This Artwork?
This artwork was chosen to show a particular style present in the Italian baroque period, as well as to show the new depictions of biblical characters.