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Original fileGoliath onthoofd om de vrede
Goliath onthoofd om de vrede, 1713
About This Work
The young David stands at the right, holding a massive sword topped with the bearded head of Goliath. He is met by a group of elegantly dressed women in late Mannerist attire, one of whom holds a musical score to lead a chorus of praise. The scene serves as a political allegory, equating the biblical victory with the contemporary triumph of peace over the 'Goliath' of war.
This print utilizes biblical narrative as a vehicle for political commentary, likely repurposed in 1713 to celebrate the Peace of Utrecht. It reflects the Haarlem Mannerist tradition of using heroic figures to represent civic virtues and the providential protection of the Dutch Republic.