David and Goliath

About this artwork

Francesco Fanelli (c. 1590-1653), an Italian sculptor born in Florence who spent his career primarily in England, created this dynamic bronze sculpture depicting David's triumph over Goliath. Cast in the 17th century from a composition modeled in the 1630s, the work measures 17½ by 8¾ by 9¼ inches and shows David bracing one knee on Goliath's shoulder, pulling the giant's head back while raising his sword for the death blow. Goliath appears half-risen, mouth agape, the fatal stone still embedded...

Art Historical Context

Francesco Fanelli’s bronze sculpture captures the dramatic climax of the biblical story, with David poised to deliver the final blow to the fallen Goliath. The young hero braces one knee on the giant’s shoulder, pulling back his head while raising his sword, the fatal stone still lodged in Goliath’s forehead. Cast in the 17th century from a model created in the 1630s, this compact yet powerfully expressive work measures just over 17 inches high and invites close viewing from every angle. Born in Florence around 1590, Fanelli spent most of his career in England, where he became one of the leading bronze casters of the early Stuart period. His training in Italian Renaissance and Baroque traditions is evident in the sculpture’s vigorous movement and anatomical detail, yet the piece was created for English collectors who prized such small bronzes for their studies and cabinets. The dark lacquer patina enhances the dramatic modeling while protecting the metal, a technique that highlights Fanelli’s skill in both form and finish. The subject of David and Goliath allowed sculptors to explore themes of courage, divine favor, and human struggle—ideas that resonated strongly in 17th-century Europe. As part of the Jack and Belle Linsky Collection at The Met, this bronze exemplifies how Italian artistic energy found a distinctive place in English art during the Baroque era.