Artwork
The returning of David with the head Goliath
The returning of David with the head Goliath is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Bernhard Strigel. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
The Returning of David with the Head of Goliath is a 1500 oil painting by Bernhard Strigel, a key figure of the Swabian school in the Northern Renaissance. The work is part of the Alte Pinakothek collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a dramatic biblical scene interpreted as David's return after defeating Goliath.
The painting depicts a dramatic biblical scene interpreted as David's return after defeating Goliath. Compositionally divided, the left side shows a knight (likely David) with a sword and a rolled document, alongside the beheaded Goliath, a dog, and signs of wealth in attire. The right side features four women by a doorway, one with a scroll and another with a stringed instrument, suggesting celebration or documentation of the victory.
Technique & Style
Strigel's style, rooted in southern German artistic traditions, is evident in the detailed, rich rendering of the knight's striped armor and the women's clothing. The use of oil paint allows for vividness and depth, characteristic of Northern Renaissance techniques.
History & Provenance
Created in 1500, the painting is associated with Strigel's work under the influence of Emperor Maximilian I, reflecting the artist's mobility between Augsburg, Innsbruck, and Vienna. It is now housed in the Alte Pinakothek.
Context
The work reflects the Northern Renaissance's blend of religious narratives with detailed, realistic depictions of life, influenced by Strigel's family's artistic legacy in southern Germany.
Legacy
As part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection, the painting contributes to the understanding of the Swabian school's contribution to the Northern Renaissance, showcasing Strigel's ability to narrate biblical themes through detailed, expressive oil painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bernhard Strigel (c. 1461 – 4 May 1528) was a German portrait and historical painter of the Swabian school, the most important of a family of artists established at Memmingen. He was born at Memmingen and was probably a…
![Margarethe Vöhlin [reverse], by Bernhard Strigel](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/bernhard-strigel--margarethe-vohlin-reverse--01f4c80425fbb8fe-w320.webp)
![Margarethe Vöhlin [obverse], by Bernhard Strigel](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/bernhard-strigel--margarethe-vohlin-obverse--435992056faaebf8-w320.webp)
![Hans Roth [obverse], by Bernhard Strigel](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/bernhard-strigel--hans-roth-obverse--9904e8cf2692db0d-w320.webp)
![Hans Roth [reverse], by Bernhard Strigel](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/bernhard-strigel--hans-roth-reverse--9e98efc46bbdf23c-w320.webp)
The Seven Works of Mercy
Scenes from the Life of St Bertin
Dymphna’s Father Proposes to her
The Seven Works of Mercy
Justice of Emperor Otto III: The Trial by Fire
The Marriage of the Virgin
The Marriage of the Virgin, with the Expulsion of Saint Joachim from the Temple, the Angel Appearing to Saint Joachim, the Meeting at the Golden Gate, the Birth of the Virgin, and the Presentation of the Virgin
Christ before Pilate
Christ before Pilate; The Resurrection
Judgement of Cambyses: The Arrest of Sisamnes
Christ Presented to the People
David and Abigail