David Declines King Saul’s Weapons 1684

This is a pen and ink drawing by the Italian artist Sebastiano Ricci created in 1684. The drawing depicts a scene from the biblical story of David and Goliath. David, a young shepherd, is shown refusing the weapons offered by King Saul, who is seated on a throne. David, instead, chooses to fight Goliath with his sling and stone, demonstrating his faith in God. The drawing showcases the artist's masterful use of line and shading, capturing the dynamic energy of the scene and the emotions of the figures. This drawing, typical of Baroque style, would have been a preparatory work for a larger painting or fresco.