David carrying the head of Goliath, which he holds by the hair

Art Historical Context

In the early 17th century, artist Giuseppe Caletti, as Cremonese or Caterino Doino, a dramatic biblical moment in this etching: David triumphantly carrying the severed head of Goliath the hair. Created between 1620 and 1630, the print measures a modest 10 1/16 × 6 1/8 inches on the plate, showcasing the intimate scale typical of etchings designed for collectors and connoisseurs. Etching, a technique where acid etches lines into a metal plate for intricate detail and tonal depth, allowed Caletti to convey the raw intensity of the scene—David's youthful valor against Goliath's formidable defeat. This work draws from the Old Testament story in 1 Samuel, symbolizing faith's triumph over tyranny, a resonant theme in Baroque art amid Europe's religious upheavals. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (acquired via the Mary Martin Fund in 1983), it exemplifies how prints democratized access to grand narratives. Caletti's etching invites viewers to ponder heroism and hubris, its fine lines evoking the gritty realism of the era's Lombard school. A compelling addition to any virtual gallery tour!