David with the Head of Goliath after 1605

This brown wash drawing by the famed Italian Baroque painter Guido Reni is a depiction of David, the young shepherd, holding the severed head of Goliath. The artist masterfully captures the moment of victory with David’s relaxed yet contemplative pose. The contrast between David’s youthful physique and Goliath’s fallen head underscores the biblical story. Though a preliminary sketch for a later painting, Reni's detailed drawing reveals his mastery of anatomy and light, characteristic of his later works. "David with the Head of Goliath" is now part of The Art Institute of Chicago’s collection.