Italian School late 17th c. David with the head of Goliath
Technique: Oil on canvas
Period: c. Late 17th century
Dimensions: Height 62.5 cm; Length 49.5 cm; Depth 4 cm
This painting was likely executed by one of the many "Caravaggisti" followers of Caravaggio in that it adopts the characteristic chiaroscuro style in it manipulation of light and dark tonalities. David is very much in the light, representing good, while the decapitated head of Goliath is cast in dark shadows. Many of the compositions of that time featured more of the full bodies of both characters while this is more introspective. It was likely painted as a private commission.
