Caravaggio David And Goliath Analysis

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Michelangelo Mersida Caravaggio was a prolific Italian painter born in Italy around 1571.
Caravaggio trained in Milan, and spent time in Rome (1592-1606), Naples (1606-1610), Malta (1607-
1608) and Sicilly (1608-1609). In these places Caravaggio was influenced by the vibrant colors, and
dramatic compositions of Italian painting, creating a style of his own for which he was famous. This
style of painting, called Tenebrism, is defined by dark murky colors juxtaposed against pronounced
areas of vibrant lighting in a painting technique called chiaroscuro. Caravaggio utilized this style
masterfully drawing emphasis to his subjects in his compositions.
Caravaggio's painting of the Biblical scene 'David and Goliath' brings the observer into the
moments …show more content…

The observer is given the impression that David has carefully passed judgment
on the severed head. Meanwhile Caravaggio has given himself a a look of sheer terror on the head of Goliath.
This concept of David passing judgment against Goliath and thus Caravaggio himself is supported by
David's allegorical pose. Caravaggio gives David the pose of Lady Justice, with a sword in his right hand,
Goliath's head in the place of a scale. The facial expression and posture of David shows calm remorse for the
justice which he has just dispensed. Painted at the end of Caravaggio's life, this painting is read by some as a
summation and manifestation of the hopelessness he must have felt before his death. Painted after
Caravaggio committed a murder in 1606 and fled from Rome, this painting is interpreted by many as
Caravaggio's self admission of guilt, and a manifestation of the torment he suffered towards the end of his life.
If you look closely at David's sword it says either: “MACO” for Michael Angelo Caravaggio Opus or “HASOS”
for “Humilitas Occidit Superbiam” which can be translated to “Humility Slayeth Pride”. This is interpreted by
some as a self accusation, and admission of guilt. Others interpret this more plainly as the author signing his

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