PROVENANCE: Traditionally held to be from the Conti family, Florence; Dr. Isaac Lea, England, 1852; Elizabeth Jaudon Lea, Philadelphia, until 1960; Julius Weitzner, London, 1961; BJU, 1961.

Jacopo Vignali closely adhered to the teachings and style of his teacher Matteo Rosselli, so much so that for many years this painting was considered to be by Rosselli. True to the reigning Florentine baroque tradition, Vignali painted in a detailed, naturalistic style with an emphasis on elegant design and color. Vignali’s best pupil, Carlo Dolci, also reflects his teacher’s style.

The subject of David would have been a familiar one to Florentines since David served as the emblem and protector of the city. In many ways, the work offers a tour-de-force of all of the fantastic qualities of the Florentine baroque school: the vibrant colors, highly elaborate contemporary costumes, sweet facial types, attention to detail (the metals, leathers, brocades, and jewels), and fairy-tale quality. Viewed in summary it is just as much a pageant of Florentine fabric and fun as it is a victorious celebration of David’s defeat over Goliath.