The Bible describes how David kills Goliath with a pebble from his sling, before decapitating the giant. Here, David gazes down at the viewer with unwavering self-confidence. The cruel aspects of the story are toned down. Instead, focus is on the rich colours and liquid brushwork of the vaguely all’antica costume. Fetti used the young Ferdinando Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, as model for David, adding a political dimension to the painting.