David standing with crossed legs and holding the head of Goliath on a pedestal at left, a sword on the ground, after Reni 1630 - 1645

This print was made by Gilles Rousselet, after Reni, in France in the mid-17th century. It depicts the young David with the head of Goliath. The image speaks to the visual codes of power and heroism in a deeply religious society. David's pose, with his foot near Goliath’s sword, symbolizes dominance and triumph. But it’s worth noting the classical contrapposto pose, derived from ancient Greek sculpture, which elevates David from a mere biblical figure to a symbol of intellectual and physical perfection. Goliath's severed head on a pedestal, is an emblem of victory, but also a stark reminder of the violence inherent in religious and political conflicts of that time. To fully grasp this print’s significance, one might delve into period sermons, political pamphlets, and even fashion trends to uncover its deep-seated cultural meanings. It's through historical context that we can interpret the true resonance of this image.