David and Goliath
Summary
The young shepherd David, armed only with a sling and stones, defeats the giant Philistine warrior Goliath in single combat. David's victory over seemingly impossible odds became a symbol of faith triumphing over brute strength and the underdog defeating a powerful enemy.
Biblical Reference
Book(s): 1 Samuel
Chapters/Verses: 1 Samuel 17
Artworks Depicting This Story
David My Study Self-researched
The commission for Florence cathedral was originally assigned to Agostino di Duccio with a design by Donatello. When Donatello died, the stone was assigned to Michelangelo. The stone was tall but shallow and some work from Agostino had been done already. The statue was designed to be placed on the Florence cathedral's buttress pedestals, on which the boy could look out over the city, gazing to the north. The statue was ultimately placed in front of Palazzo dei Priori (now Palazzo Vecchio). The left arm and hand were damaged in 1527 and preserved by Vasari and Francesco Salviati. The original now stands in the Galleria dell'Accademia, while a replica stands in its original location in Piazza della Signoria.
David and Goliath
One of the corner spandrels of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, depicting Old Testament scenes of salvation. Central interlocked figures create a clear narrative event—David is shown at the moment of striking down the giant Goliath. The dramatic composition emphasizes the physical struggle between the two figures.
David and Goliath Self-researched
One of three dramatic ceiling paintings, originally for Santo Spirito. Walter Friedlaender called these paintings "manifestations of genius unprecedented even in Titian's own work" for their impassioned power of movement and daring use of foreshortening. Highly influential on Baroque painting.
David with the Head of Goliath Self-researched
A haunting depiction of the young David holding the severed head of Goliath. The head of Goliath is believed to be a self-portrait of Caravaggio, painted during his final years while fleeing a murder charge.
David Self-researched
A life-size marble sculpture commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Unlike Michelangelo's contemplative David, Bernini captures the biblical hero in dynamic action, mid-throw with his sling.
