David was to the Florentines a symbol of strength and independence—celebrated in painting and sculpture by nearly every major artist from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. The Triumph of David depicts the biblical hero returning from battle having defeated the Philistines. He strides forward at center, holding the outsize sword of his opponent Goliath, as well as the giant’s decapitated head. As related in the first Book of Samuel, he was met with crowds of Israelite women who sang, danced, and played musical instruments. The two most prominent hold a tambourine (the biblical tabret) and an “Alla Turca” triangle.  

The artist, Francesco Lupicini, was the nephew of Cristofano Allori and a student of Matteo Rosselli, whose painting of the subject in the Pitti Palace provided the inspiration for the present work. Lupicini has altered details and colors, and set the scene in the evening, while employing a heightened use of chiaroscuro. The triumphant protagonist seems to have become somewhat conflicted, a kind of “melancholic hero,” while the women are sensuous and characterized by soft modeling and emotional reserve. The spectacular carved and gilt Florentine frame is original to the painting.

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