Early modern · National Gallery of Art · 128623

David with the Head of Goliath

Giovanni Francesco Susini, c. 1625 - 1630

The sculpture depicts a male figure seated on a large sword, holding the handle with one hand while his other hand rests on his knee. The figure is muscular, with detailed anatomical features, and is partially draped with a cloth around his waist. At his feet lies a large head with a bearded face, eyes closed, and mouth slightly open. The sculpture is made of a dark brown material resembling bronze, giving it a polished appearance. The figure is positioned in a crouched or kneeling pose, with his head tilted slightly downward as if looking towards the large head on the ground. The details highlight the texture of the hair and fabric, as well as the curves and lines of the human form. The composition suggests balance and stability, with the sword providing a strong vertical element against the dynamic posture of the figure.

National Gallery of Art · National Gallery of Art, Washington · Gift of Robert H. Smith/Robert H. Smith Collection · CC0 · Public domain

Artist: Giovanni Francesco Susini
Date: c. 1625 - 1630
Medium: bronze
Dimensions: height: 29.5 cm (11 5/8 in.)
Era: Early modern

Why it matters

David with the Head of Goliath, dated c. 1625 - 1630, is catalogued by National Gallery of Art as a work in bronze. The museum attributes the work to Giovanni Francesco Susini. The recorded dimensions are height: 29.5 cm (11 5/8 in.). This factual page is generated from the museum catalogue and links directly to its source record.

National Gallery of Art collection record