Who painted David and Goliath?

David and Goliath was painted by Hanns Lautensack in 1551.

Where can I see David and Goliath?

David and Goliath is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is David and Goliath?

David and Goliath is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

David and Goliath

Hanns Lautensack , 1551

David and Goliath is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hanns Lautensack. It dates from 1551 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

David and Goliath is a 1551 etching by Hanns Lautensack, comprising two conjoined scenes on separate sheets of paper. The work visually interprets the biblical narrative of David's confrontation with Goliath.

Subject & Meaning

The etching juxtaposes two moments from the David and Goliath story. On the left, a towering, heavily armored Goliath stands before a bustling port city, contrasting with the right scene where David, in simple attire, gains the upper hand over the fallen warrior. The composition highlights the biblical theme of the underdog's triumph.

Technique & Style

Executed with sharp, detailed lines, the etching showcases Lautensack's mastery of the medium. The anachronistic blend of medieval armor and contemporary clothing adds a layer of visual intrigue, while a central tree serves as a compositional divider.

History & Provenance

Created in 1551 by Hanns Lautensack, a German etcher from Bamberg, the work reflects his career spanning Nuremberg and Vienna. Typical of his practice, the etching may bear his monogram, though this is not specified for this piece.

Context

Lautensack's work within the 16th-century German etching tradition demonstrates the period's interest in biblical themes and meticulous printmaking techniques. The choice of subject and style situates the artist within the religious and artistic currents of his time.

Legacy

As part of Lautensack's oeuvre, *David and Goliath* contributes to the understanding of 16th-century German printmaking and the evolution of etching as an artistic medium. Its survival testifies to the enduring appeal of biblical narratives in Renaissance art.