🎄 Win a month in Italy for two — €10,000 · The Secret Italy Prize GO →
Bernini's David — Roma
← Back
Art, Theaters and Museums 📍 Roma, Italy 195 views

Bernini's David

Bernini's sculpture is one of the most famous and appreciated works of art in the Borghese Gallery. It depicts King David in a moment of great tension and physical strength as he prepares to hurl a stone at Goliath. Bernini has captured the dynamism of the action with great skill...

Photo · Elena H.

Bernini's David — Roma, Italy.

Location
Roma
Type
Art, Theaters and Museums
Opening hours
Weather now
↗ Directions

About Bernini's David

Bernini's David - Roma | Secret World Trip Planner

Bernini's sculpture is one of the most famous and appreciated works of art in the Borghese Gallery. It depicts King David in a moment of great tension and physical strength as he prepares to hurl a stone at Goliath. Bernini has captured the dynamism of the action with great skill, creating a scene that seems animated by great vital energy.The sculpture was made of white Carrara marble and features great detail in the rendering of the muscles and veins of David's body. The figure is portrayed with an intense, concentrated expression, his eyes fixed on his prey. The posture is strongly unbalanced, as if David is preparing to throw the stone, and this gives the sculpture a sense of great movement and dynamism.Perhaps the most striking detail of the sculpture is Goliath's head, which is located at David's feet. The head, made with great realism, almost looks as if it is about to emit a cry of pain, adding further tension to the work.Bernini was able to give the sculpture great emotional intensity, creating a work of art that does not fail to leave an indelible impression on visitors to the Borghese Gallery.

Bernini's David - Roma | Secret World Trip Planner
✦ Secret World · suggested day

A perfect day in Roma

Start with Bernini's David, then continue with nearby places selected by Secret World.

  1. 01
    Morning
    Bernini's David
    📍 Roma
    Start here
  2. 02
    Afternoon
    📍 0 km away
  3. 03
    Evening
    📍 1 km away

Collect this place

Turn places you discover into stamps in your Secret Passport.

Open Secret Passport →

Keep exploring · Roma

Frequently Asked Questions

Bernini's David is housed in the Borghese Gallery in Rome, one of the most famous and appreciated works of art on display there. The gallery is located in Villa Borghese and is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi from central Rome.
Unlike other famous David sculptures, Bernini's version captures King David in a dynamic moment of intense action—preparing to hurl the stone at Goliath. The sculpture features an unbalanced, powerful posture that conveys great vital energy and movement, with Goliath's realistic head positioned at David's feet adding dramatic tension to the work.
Bernini's David is carved from white Carrara marble, a premium Italian material that allows for exceptional detail in rendering the muscles and veins of the figure's body. The artist's skill in working with this marble is evident in the lifelike quality and emotional intensity of the sculpture.
The most striking details include David's intensely concentrated facial expression with his eyes fixed on his prey, the dramatically unbalanced posture showing him mid-throw, and the remarkably realistic rendering of Goliath's head at his feet—which appears almost ready to emit a cry of pain. These elements combine to create an emotionally powerful and unforgettable artwork.
Absolutely—Bernini's David is one of the gallery's most celebrated masterpieces and creates an indelible impression on visitors with its exceptional emotional intensity and dynamic composition. The sculpture's combination of technical skill, dramatic movement, and psychological depth makes it a must-see artwork for anyone interested in Baroque sculpture.

Experiences nearby · Roma

Powered by Viator

See more on Viator.com

Secret World Hidden places, real stories — plan your trip
Get the app