ITALIAN SCHOOL. oooooooo RICCIARELLI. cooooooo FRENCH MUSEUM. Under the reign of Saul, the Israelites being at war with the Philistines, whilst the two armies were in sight and to avoid the necessity of a battle, a giant named Goliah defied the Israelites to find a warrior amongst them who would meet him in single combat. His lofty stature inspired affright, and all shrunk back from the unequal trial, till the youthful David stepped forth, whit no arms but a staff and a sling. The pride of the unwieldy Philistine seemed humiliated to be obliged to fight with a simple shepherd, when a stone struck him in the middle of his forehead and brought him to the ground. David then closing upon his enemy, seized Goliah's, sword, and severed his head from his body. This picture was long erroneously attributed to MichaelAnge Buonarotti; it is by Daniel Ricciarelli, more known as Daniel de Volterre, the name of his birth-place. The colours are fine and ther drawing correct. The posture of Goliah presents some peculiarities from the fore-shortenings, which appear multiplied in it to display the painter's skill in rendering them ably. This picture is painted upon slate, and the other side presents the same subject seen under a different aspect. Breadth, 5 feet 8 inches; height, 4 feet 4 inches. |