Pear-shaped ornament design with David holding the head of Goliath and grotesque motifs on a black ground

Engraving, part of a series of 7 pear-shaped ornament designs with grotesque motifs executed on black grounds, created by Étienne Delaune in Strasbourg in 1573. The pear shapes and size of the prints are similar to those of the fashionable jewelry of the time, suggesting that this set was very likely intended as a model for silver and goldsmiths. The design, representing David holding Goliath's head, is made up of a sort of canopy in which stands a soldier (David), wearing helmet and cuirasse, extending his right arm in front of him, holding the head of an old man (Goliath) on his hand. At his feet are the cuirasse and the helmet of the defeated giant; above the canopy are two war trophies made up of weapons, shields, and other weapons. David is represented as a model of virtue, winning over vice. The rest of the design is made up of scrolling motifs, draped textiles, a vase, and winged cupids.