David Triumphant
Thomas Crawford, model 1845/1846, carved 1848
About this artwork
**David Triumphant** by Thomas Crawford captures the biblical hero in a moment of victory, likely after slaying Goliath. Modeled between 1845 and 1846 and carved in marble by 1848, this 45-inch (114.3 cm) sculpture blends pristine white marble with bronze accents, exemplifying neoclassical ideals of the mid-19th century., an American sculptor based in Rome, drew from classical antiquity and Renaissance masters like Michelangelo to portray David's youthful vigor and moral triumph, making it a quintessential example of heroic sculpture. The work reflects the era's fascination with biblical narratives as vehicles for classical grandeur. Crawford's process—starting with a clay model before precise marble carving—highlights the technical mastery required for such durable, luminous stone, evoking eternal strength. As a gift from Ian and Annette Cumming to the National Gallery of Art's Classical Sculpture Department, it stands as a testament to transatlantic artistic exchange, inviting visitors to ponder themes of courage and divine favor in an age of expanding American identity.