David and Goliath

About the project

An illustration based on Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath. It captures the moment right after the beheading: the sky closes in over David as soon as he cuts off the giant’s head, and with it goes all the strength God had given him.

The young shepherd, more weary than triumphant, holds Goliath’s head and sword while a spiral of storm clouds wraps around the moon behind him, like a halo collapsing in on itself.

Drawn in India ink: solid blacks for the sky, grey washes for the volumes and fine hatching for Goliath’s hair and beard. The gallery includes the work in progress, before the washes, and the framed original.

Project details

Reference

Caravaggio · David with the Head of Goliath

Technique

India ink on paper