Michelangelo Buonarroti 1475 – 1564

David beats Goliath

fresco (570 × 970 cm) — 1509 Museum Sistine Chapel, Vatican City

Michelangelo Buonarroti biography

This work is linked to 1 Samuel 17:51

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David has struck down the giant Goliath with a stone from his sling. Here he is about to decapitate his enemy, using Goliath's own sword.

In the background, next to the tent, soldiers can be seen. They are waiting for the moment to attack the remaining, demoralized Philistines. The tent adds a magic glow to the image.

This fresco is located in one of the corners at the side of the entry to the chapel. In the other corner is Judith with the head of Holofernes.

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