David with the head of Goliath
The triumph of light and shadow: Caravaggio's dramatic masterpiece.
The David with the head of Goliath, painted by Caravaggio, is one of the most powerful and intense works in the Galleria Borghese. The scene depicts the young David holding the severed head of the giant Goliath, symbolising the triumph of virtue over arrogance. The dramatic light and stark realism, typical of Caravaggio's style, emphasise the details of Goliath's face, which is said to represent a self-portrait of the painter. This masterpiece not only celebrates a heroic victory, but also reflects the artist's inner torments, making the work extraordinarily personal and universal.
Useful information
The Borghese Gallery is located in Rome, within the beautiful park of Villa Borghese, and is one of the most important museums in Italy. Entrance is regulated by a compulsory booking system with timed shifts, which guarantees a more intimate and peaceful experience to admire the works. Opening hours are generally from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with last admission at 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and certain public holidays. It is advisable to book tickets well in advance, especially during peak season. The visit lasts two hours and allows you to explore masterpieces by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael and Canova. The gallery offers audio guides and guided tours, and is easily accessible by public transport or on foot from the centre of Rome.
How to get there
-
In the underground: The nearest stop is Spagna (Line A), about a 15-20 minute walk from the tunnel entrance.
-
By bus: Several bus lines stop near Villa Borghese. The most convenient are the 52, 53, 63, 83, 92, 223, 360, 910, which stop near the entrance to the park.
-
By tram: Line 19 stops nearby at the Galleria Arte Moderna stop, from where you can access the park.
-
On foot: If you are in the historical centre, the gallery is easily reached by a pleasant walk through Villa Borghese, starting from Piazza di Spagna or Via Veneto.
-
By car: It is possible to arrive by car, but parking is limited. It is advisable to use public car parks nearby or in outlying areas and continue by public transport.
History
Painted around 1609-1610, towards the end of Caravaggio's troubled life, the David with the head of Goliath is considered a kind of personal confession. The severed head of Goliath is in fact a self-portrait of the artist, probably made as an act of repentance for his sins. It is assumed that the work was sent as a gift to Cardinal Scipione Borghese to obtain papal forgiveness. This gesture underlines the deep connection between Caravaggio's life and his art, made of light and shadow, realism and introspection. For centuries, the painting has attracted the gaze of visitors for its extraordinary ability to tell a universal story of struggle and redemption.
Painted around 1609-1610, towards the end of Caravaggio's troubled life, the David with the head of Goliath is considered a kind of personal confession. The severed head of Goliath is in fact a self-portrait of the artist, probably made as an act of repentance for his sins. It is assumed that the work was sent as a gift to Cardinal Scipione Borghese to obtain papal forgiveness. This gesture underlines the deep connection between Caravaggio's life and his art, made of light and shadow, realism and introspection. For centuries, the painting has attracted the gaze of visitors for its extraordinary ability to tell a universal story of struggle and redemption.
Reviews
Breathtaking realism
A work that tells the artist's soul
A must for art lovers
Tips
Learn about the history of Caravaggio
To fully appreciate the meaning of the painting, it is helpful to learn about Caravaggio's turbulent life and the context in which he created the work. This adds depth to the visit and will allow you to grasp the hidden messages in the painting.
Spend time observing details
Goliath's severed head and David's expression are rich in detail, telling a story of victory and inner torment. Take your time in front of the work, observing how Caravaggio uses light and shadow to convey emotion.
Combine the visit with other works by Caravaggio
The Galleria Borghese houses several masterpieces by Caravaggio, such as Saint John the Baptist and the Madonna dei Palafrenieri. Take advantage of the visit to take a tour of his works and discover the evolution of his style and themes.
Italian 
English 
German