Normally I wouldn’t have shown you this until its completion but I am so pleased with it I must share. I always show unfinished paintings to friends and family as long as I am happy with the progress, so why not here? Two hours have passed and I didn’t really want to stop but I need to grab a bite to eat and another iced coffee.
So here is the result of the first session for recreating David With Goliath’s Head (1610) by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. I have recently been commissioned to paint Sacrifice of Isaac on a huge canvas, and I haven’t painted in over six months. So, I need to get back into the art, as well as practice my skills with the strong tenebrism characteristic of Caravaggio, of which Sacrifice is a particularly strong example. David and Goliath is not so bad, so will make good practice.
A little background: Caravaggio revisited the theme of David and Goliath several times. This particular one is thought to be the last. In fact this is regarded as the artist’s last painting executed before he died. He had made the trip on a small boat loaded up with several canvases, including this one, to seek a final pardon and gain the support of patrons. He had been on the run for several years, convicted of murder. As the years progress toward the end of his life in 1610, Caravaggio’s anxiety showed more and more. For instance, his fear of decapitation and persecution are evident in this painting: he has painted himself as the slain giant.
As the head was taking shape I realized I had accidentally made the head look out directly at the viewer. While it differs from the original (as I’m sure many parts will- it’s never perfect), I am thrilled with the result. It’s what Bob Ross would call a “happy accident.” Though I doubt Bob painted many decapitated heads in his career.
I’ll keep you posted on the progress.
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