Broadside with 24 scenes relating the story of Goliath the Giant

Art Historical Context

This broadside, created around 1860–70 by Antonio Bosch and Narciso Ramirez, presents the biblical story of Goliath the Giant across 24 sequential scenes on a single sheet. Measuring roughly 17 by 12 inches, the print was designed for wide circulation, allowing viewers to follow the dramatic tale—from the giant’s challenge to his defeat—at a glance. Such narrative broadsides were popular in the mid-nineteenth century as affordable entertainment and moral instruction, bringing well-known stories into homes and public spaces. Executed in etching with possible photo-relief elements, the work reflects the era’s evolving print technologies that made detailed imagery more accessible. The inclusion of lively details—horses, men, and even fishing scenes—adds richness to the storytelling, blending the central biblical narrative with everyday motifs that would have resonated with contemporary audiences. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this piece highlights how popular graphic art served both educational and artistic purposes during a time of rapid technological and social change.