Subject Matter
The sculpture shows a scene from the Old Testament First Book of Samuel. The Israelites are at war with the Philistines, whose giant warrior Goliath has challenged any of the Israelite soldiers to settle the conflict by single combat. The young shepherd David has just taken up the challenge, and is about to slay the giant with a stone from his sling:
48. As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.
— 1 Samuel 17
David's nudity is only partially covered by a robe. At his feet lies the armour he has just shed, as he is unaccustomed to it and believes he can fight better without. Also at his feet is his harp, often included as an iconographic device of David, although not mentioned in the biblical account.
Read more about this topic: David (Bernini)
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