Antonin Mercié (French, 1845-1916) David defeats Goliath Bronze with brown patina. The model created between 1869 and 70. Signed on the terrace. Marked "F.Barbedienne Fondeur". Mechanical reduction stamp A.Colas. Height 73 cm. (slight oxidation) Antonin Mercié. A bronze sculpture of David's victory over Goliath. Model created in 1869-70. Signed. Bibliography: Pierre Kjellberg, "Les bronzes du XIXème siècle. Dictionnaire des sculptures", Paris, Les Editions de l'Amateur, 1987, model reproduced on p. 490. Premier Grand Prix de Rome in 1868, Antonin Mercié sent a plaster model of David conquering Goliath from the Eternal City. He was obviously inspired by Renaissance sculpture, which he discovered physically, notably through the treatment of the contrapposto. While the subject follows in the footsteps of the Great Masters, such as Donatello and Michelangelo, it also echoes contemporary events. The elegance of the pose and the firmness of its modeling are seen as "a symbol of hope for France's future revenge on Prussia" (Musée d'Orsay). The original plaster cast was awarded a first-class medal, before being assigned to the Musée des Augustins in Toulouse (inv. RA 982). The French government commissioned a bronze copy in 1872, which was placed in the Musée du Luxembourg in 1874. In view of its critical success, numerous bronze copies of the sculpture were produced, in six different sizes. Ours, however, is distinguished from the original by the modest loincloth covering her male attributes.