The artwork titled “David with the Head of Goliath, comes to Saul (I Samuel, XVII, 55-58)” was created by Marc Chagall around the year 1956 in France. Rendered through the medium of etching on paper, this piece belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. The artwork, classified within the genre of religious painting, is part of the series “Etchings for the Bible (1930-1939; 1952-1956).” Measuring 32 by 24 centimeters, it portrays a significant Biblical narrative with Chagall’s distinct stylistic approach.
In the artwork, David is depicted presenting the severed head of Goliath to King Saul. The scene is rich with symbolic elements, including the Star of David in the background. The composition utilizes a monochromatic palette, with intricate details that exemplify Chagall’s mastery in etching. The figures of David and Saul are drawn with a degree of abstraction characteristic of Naïve Art, enhancing the ethereal and timeless quality of the Biblical episode. Chagall’s unique interpretation underscores the gravity and drama of the moment, melding spiritual significance with artistic expression.
