David with the Head of Goliath 1605

Guido Reni rendered this dramatic scene on canvas, sometime in the early 17th century, using oil paints. Reni's mastery is evident in the contrasting textures he’s achieved. The cold, hard steel of the sword lying at David's feet, is a stark contrast to the soft fur draped over his shoulders, all brought to life with layers of pigment. Look closely, and you'll see the rough, almost brutal strokes used to depict Goliath's severed head. The artist dares to use a certain amount of realism. Oil paint lends itself beautifully to the depiction of skin, and here, Reni truly shines. The smooth, almost porcelain-like surface of David’s face, neck, and arms is strikingly rendered. The blue sash is also of interest, contrasting with the muted tones of the rest of the painting. In its time, this pigment would have been derived from valuable lapis lazuli. Ultimately, Reni's "David" reminds us that even the most high-minded artistic achievements are deeply rooted in material practices.