David at the Cave of Adullam 1810 - 1849

Giovanni Maldura made this painting, David at the Cave of Adullam, using oil on canvas. In its making, we see a world still dominated by hand skills. Paint, ground pigments mixed with linseed oil, is inherently slow. It can be built up in layers, each demanding time and patience. With each considered brushstroke, Maldura invites us to consider the nature of the landscape: the subtle gradations of light across the valley, the texture of the rocky outcrop, the delicate foliage of the trees. Look closely, and you'll notice figures strategically placed; with their presence Maldura hints at narrative, and suggests larger social dramas playing out within this vast, open space. Despite the traditional materials, the artist is clearly aware of the changing social and economic context within which he operated. It’s worth considering the sheer labor involved in the production of a painting like this, from preparing the canvas to the final application of varnish. By focusing on these material aspects, we can appreciate how the painting reflects the artist's labor and skill.