One of the most popular Baroque artists was Caravaggio. Look at it his painting of Biblical hero David and Goliath, and consider and answer the following questions:
Question 1
What point in the story of David and Goliath does Caravaggio choose to focus on? How does this compare to the images of David made by Donatello, Michelangelo, and / or Bernini?
Response 1
Caravaggio chose to focus on the moment of victory as David defeated Goliath, and it is focused on both David and Goliath. David’s victory transformed him from a shy boy to a strong man. One thing that is unique about the famous image is that the head of Goliath is exactly the self-portrait of Caravaggio. David lifted up the severed head of Goliath that reveals the face to be his evidently. The image is illustrated in a different way compare to the images made by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini. In the images, the white shirt symbolizes faith, innocence, and purity while the brown pants symbolize humility. For emphasis, the feather against the leg of David in Donatello’s, and the stump against the leg of David in Michelangelo’s, or the pile of armor against the legs of David in Bernini; the emphasis on the leg refers to the traditional oath of swearing.
Question 2
Why would Caravaggio choose this moment to focus on? How could this relate to the Catholic Church and the Counter Reformation?
Response 2
Caravaggio painted himself as both David and Goliath. The image of David is the source of innocence, aspirations, and courage of his youth while it reveals the head of his older fallen self as Goliath. He attempted to communicate visually that a person has the potential to define the state of being good or evil. His painting illustrates guilt and freedom. This painting relates to the content of the Bible when David obeys the will of God to go against Goliath alone, without armor, and rewarded by God. The head of Goliath is consumed by darkness while David is revealed by the light of truth and favor. The victory of David in the image still shows humbleness and not proud despite defeating Goliath; he did not rejoice the death of a sinner. The image portrayed the tragic death of Goliath, a giant who threatened to enslave the Israelites and insulted God. Without doubt, the painting is not a pleasant sight; however, David lowered his sword and showed a sickly disapproval. Caravaggio’s work of art keeps the spirit of the Counter Reformation; his work is natural and direct that made the Church uncomfortable, he portrayed religious personages as common, real, and complete.
Question 3
What does David look like?
Response 3
David looks like he is disgusted and unconvinced of the righteousness of his aggressive act. David’s expression on the image shows that he did not rejoice in the death of Goliath.
Question 4
What kind of lighting does Caravaggio paint?
Response 4
