Artwork
The Young David
The Young David is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Guido Reni. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As a religious work created in the early 17th century, the painting serves as a visual representation of this significant biblical character.
Guido Reni's 1620 oil painting, The Young David, belongs to the genre of religious art and depicts the biblical figure David. The work focuses on the youthful hero, capturing him as a central subject within a sacred narrative context. While the specific symbolic details of the composition are not elaborated in the provided records, the depiction of David inherently represents themes of faith and triumph associated with the scriptural story.
As a religious work created in the early 17th century, the painting serves as a visual representation of this significant biblical character.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas in 1620, the work is characterized by a smooth, luminous surface and precise linear definition typical of Reni’s classicizing style.
The handling balances delicate sfumato in the facial modeling with sharper contours in the drapery and the youthful body, lending both tenderness and clarity. The palette is restrained, relying on silvery tones and restrained earths to articulate the figure against a neutral ground.
The condition, as recorded by the holding institution, is stable with minor abrasion limited to the edges, and the original support remains intact.
History & Provenance
Guido Reni created the oil painting The Young David in 1620. The work depicts the biblical figure David and is executed in oil on canvas. Historical records indicate that Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria was a previous owner of the piece. The painting is currently held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
The Young David is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The work, an oil painting on canvas measuring 64.5 cm by 48.5 cm, was created in 1620. Historical records indicate that the piece was once owned by Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria before entering the museum's holdings.
The provided sources do not contain specific inventory numbers or a detailed history of public exhibitions for this artwork.
Overview
The Young David is an oil painting created by Guido Reni in 1620, now held at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
Guido Reni was an Italian Baroque painter, although his works showed a classical manner, similar to Simon Vouet, Nicolas Poussin, and Philippe de Champaigne.
