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The Triumph of David

Lorenzo de Caro (Italian (Neapolitan), 1719–1777)
late 1750s

Medium/Technique Oil on canvas
Dimensions 67.31 x 49.53 cm (26 1/2 x 19 1/2 in.)
Credit Line Henry H. and Zoe Oliver Sherman Fund
Accession Number1984.139
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsPaintings
Having slayed the Philistine champion Goliath with a stone fired from his sling, David severed the giant’s head and triumphantly returned with it to Jerusalem. De Caro, who worked mostly for patrons in Naples, specialized in altarpieces and also small scale Biblical scenes like this. The painting’s pastel colors, asymmetrical composition, and playful atmosphere are hallmarks of the Rococo style.

ProvenanceCollection of Prince Mdivani (?) By 1930, Deswaef Collection, Genoa [see note 1]. By 1984, Piero Corsini Inc., New York; 1984, purchased by the MFA from Corsini. (Accession Date: April 11, 1984)

NOTES:
[1] according to letter from Piero Corsini, Inc., in curatorial file.