The artwork titled “David and Goliath,” created by renowned artist Ilya Repin in 1915, is executed in watercolor on paper and is a representative piece within the Realism movement. With dimensions of 22 by 35 centimeters, this religious painting is housed in the Tver Regional Art Gallery located in Tver, Russia.
Depicting the biblical narrative of David and Goliath, the artwork illustrates the stark contrast in scale and demeanor between the young David and the formidable Goliath. Goliath stands armored, flanked by soldiers bearing shields adorned with symbols, and carries a long spear. In contrast, David, noticeably smaller and with a sense of defiance, appears almost diminutive, armed only with a staff and a sling, as he confronts the giant. The background, characterized by subdued hues that evoke a barren landscape, features distant figures that recede into the hillside, focusing the viewer’s attention on the central confrontation. The use of watercolor lends a softness to the scene that underscores the dramatic tension imbued in this moment of biblical history. The artist’s signature and the date are visible at the bottom of the artwork, authenticating its creation.
