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David and Goliath
Peter Paul Rubens, David Slaying Goliath, c. 1616
- Painter
- Peter Paul Rubens
- Collection
- Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena
- Scripture
- 1 Samuel 17:51
- Published
- 4 October 2026
- Image
- Wikimedia Commons, public domain ↗
Rubens chooses the stroke itself. Goliath lies on the ground, and David raises the giant's own sword with both hands.
Rubens painted the scene around 1616 in Antwerp. His David is no boy but an athlete; the body is built from the antique sculpture Rubens had studied in Italy.
In the background the armies are already in motion.
David sets his foot on the giant's head.