On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02311
- Author
- Poussin, Nicholas (French)
- Title
- The Triumph of David
- Chronology
- Ca. 1630
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 100 cm x 130 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
In an architectural setting, a
winged Victory crowns David with a
laurel wreath. The latter holds his
sword with one hand and looks
directly at Goliath's decapitated
head, which rests on some pieces of
armor. Three putti complete the
group. One of them plays an
instrument while another hands
Victory the royal crown destined
for David.
This image alludes to a passage
from the Old Testament (Samuel 17,
12-58) that tells how David, the
young Hebrew shepherd and future
king of Judea, took on Goliath, the
giant, in order to save his
people.
This canvas is considered one of
Poussin's masterpieces. Titian's
influence is clear here, both in
the overall painterly technique and
in the formal models of the putti.
One of Poussin's most personal
characteristics is also visible
here: the combination of a
mythological theme —the Victory and
putti— with a biblical one: the
central theme of King David.
This painting entered the Royal
Collection by way of the heirs to
the painter, Maratta. In 1746, it
was listed in the inventorys of the
Palace of la Granja de San
Ildefonso, passing from there to
the Palace at Aranjuez.
Location on the map
