Arcadópolis
Violence. This work is shown blurred, as in the Museum.Show work
David with the Head of Goliath
Caravaggio, c. 1607
What you see
David fills most of the canvas, turned three-quarters against a dark background. One raised hand grips a long sword laid across the back of his neck; the other arm stretches out, holding Goliath’s head by the hair. He does not look at it: his eyes are fixed beyond the frame. The white shirt slips off one shoulder.
Light from the left falls on the raised arm, the chest and the white cloth with its deep folds. Mustard-colored breeches add the only warm note. The giant’s head, eyes half closed, sits further in shadow. Look at the polished metal hilt of the sword and at the cloth bag hanging at the boy’s side.
About Caravaggio
Michelangelo Merisi, called Caravaggio after his family’s home town, painted scenes as if they were happening on a dark stage lit by a spotlight. He used ordinary people from the street as models, which was very daring at the time. His use of light and shadow inspired painters all over Europe.
More by Caravaggio
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