The artwork titled “David and Goliath,” created by the artist William H. Johnson in 1944, is a prominent example of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. As a mythological painting, it captures the legendary biblical story of the young David triumphing over the giant Goliath.
In the artwork, the artist employs a vivid and simplified style, characteristic of Naïve Art. The figures of David and Goliath are depicted with exaggerated proportions and bold, flat areas of color. Goliath is portrayed as a towering figure with menacing features, brandishing a spear and shield. David, in contrast, appears smaller yet confident, seemingly in the act of confronting the giant. The background is composed of vibrant hues and abstract forms, contributing to the overall dramatic and folk-like ambiance of the painting. The simplicity in form coupled with the striking color palette effectively conveys the narrative and emotion associated with the mythological tale.
