Italy, Florence / 1722
David Victorious over Goliath
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs David Victorious over Goliath as sculpture (Italy, Florence · 1722).
David was a popular figure in Florentine art and often embodied civic liberty.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as terracotta and credits Giovanni Battista Foggini (Italian, 1652–1725).
The museum's collection notes: This terracotta model was used to cast part of a series of bronzes on religious subjects. Foggini depicted David humbly, a compelling contrast to the more traditional Florentine approach of David as a proud victor. The subject of David was especially important because he had long symbolized Florence: the city was often able to overcome its larger rivals, much like David defeated the giant Goliath.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtDavid Victorious over GoliathOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.