David & Goliath

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

A painting depicting the Biblical story of David and Goliath was recently cleaned and during the conservation process, an artist’s signature was revealed.  This painting was previously attributed to Giovanni Francesco Guerrieri, but with the signature reveal and more identifying details now visible after cleaning, the painting is being recognized as a work by Artemisia Gentileschi.  Indeed, a detail of the painting shows the name “Artemisia” on the hilt of the sword David used to decapitate Goliath.

This stunning new discovery seems even more powerful knowing the backstory of the artist.  Artemisia was a young, talented woman attempting a career in the arts during Italy’s Baroque period who is raped by her tutor and put on trial for his crimes against her.  The subject matter of a young David slaying the giant, Goliath, is not only apropos to Artemisia’s personal story, but her characterization of the figures is quite interesting.  Artemisia’s David exudes a quiet confidence as he poses with the severed head of his opponent.  He casually looks out at the viewer while his hand rests on a sword almost as large as he is.

I can’t help but think about the subtle implications behind this particular arrangement of figures and to read a bit of Artemisia’s own story into the background of David’s.  I am so glad the correct artist is finally being acknowledged.

For more information on this discovery, please visit…

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/painting-david-and-goliath-once-attributed-male-artist-revealed-work-artemisia-gentileschi-180974312/

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I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.