David with the Head of Goliath 1705 - 1762

Editor: This is Johann Georg Bergmüller’s “David with the Head of Goliath,” an engraving created sometime between 1705 and 1762. David's face is so calm, almost serene, while holding Goliath’s severed head. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a potent visual statement about power, dominance, and the complexities of identity. David, the seemingly weaker figure, triumphs over the giant, Goliath, and this engraving captures that victory, not just as a biblical tale, but as a reflection on the societal structures that allow for such power imbalances. Editor: Could you elaborate on "power imbalances?" Curator: Absolutely. Consider the historical context: images of David and Goliath were often used to justify the rule of divinely appointed monarchs, imbuing them with an almost sacred legitimacy. But this image also resonates with contemporary understandings of power, specifically the power of marginalized individuals and communities to challenge oppressive systems. We need to think about gender, class, and race. David isn't simply victorious; he embodies the potential for the oppressed to overcome their oppressors, though such triumph always occurs at great cost. What does seeing David like that, affect you personally? Editor: It's unsettling. I see the violence but also this sense of... righteous defiance? It challenges any simple understanding of victory. Curator: Precisely! Bergmüller presents us with an image of defiance and power—which demands we think critically about who wields power and for what purposes, both then and now. This piece underscores that cultural heritage has a crucial connection to social and political issues today. Editor: That reframes the whole image for me. I initially saw a straightforward depiction of a biblical story, but it is deeply rooted in so many layers of political power. Thank you!