David and Goliath

David and Goliath by Ribera, painted around 1620, depicts the shepherd boy's triumph over the Philistine giant. Ribera's treatment brings his characteristic naturalism to this popular Old Testament subject. Ribera's Old Testament subjects bring the same unflinching naturalism to biblical narrative that characterizes his saints. Working in oil on canvas, he built form through strong tonal contrasts, applying thick impasto to highlighted areas while keeping shadows transparent — a technique lea...

The young David and the giant's head are rendered with Ribera's bold naturalism and dramatic chiaroscuro. The composition emphasizes the physical contrast between youth and the slain giant.