Morgan Lang - Museum Writing

I chose a painting by Girolamo Forabosco, entitled, “David with the Head of Goliath”.  I would consider this piece, art.  Forabosco captured the feeling of this biblical story, giving the painting a greater impact.  The detailed features of Goliath’s head and David’s body make it seem almost real. The painting conveys emotion and gives me a greater appreciation for the work, rather than just seeing it.

I’m interested in this piece because it has made a stain in my memory.  When I was a kid, I came here on a field trip with my elementary school.  I remember this piece more vividly than all the rest. I think this is due to my faith background. In Sunday School we used to hear the story of David and Goliath. David seemed like he was no match for Goliath, but due to his trust in God, ended up defeating Goliath, and saving his people. So when I saw this painting, I didn’t just think about how this was a good work of art, I thought about how your faith in God, can help you overcome any obstacle. I love how Goliath’s head is massive compared to David’s body. This emphasizes the struggle David had to overcome, and how even the smallest of us, can take down giants. Forabosco did an amazing job making the head look very heavy. David couldn’t just carry it in his arms, but on his shoulders. The look in David’s eyes, shows the struggle he had just gone through.  He looks tired, but relieved that he had conquered such an immense obstacle. I also like how Forabosco chose to show the sling of rocks on David. 

The location of this painting is on the second floor and is placed in a room that has everything to do with religion. This emphasizes the importance of this biblical story.  The colors and how the artwork is painted are also very similar to those in the room, making it seem like it belongs. 

Imagine there is a young innocent boy, with soft eyes and long curly hair.  His head is angled slightly to the left and is looking down. A red cloth is draped around his shoulders leaving his chest bare. He is wearing light blue pants, and what seems to be a pouch with rocks inside. On his right shoulder he carries a hairy giant severed head, with a bloody groove in his forehead. The head’s eyes and mouth are open. The boys hand is gripping the hair of the head, and the boy looks very relieved.