Antonin Mercié (1845–1916)

Antonin Mercié is known for this statue, which captures the moment after victory: the young David stands calmly, gazing down at the defeated Goliath, while the diagonal lines of the sling and sword create a taut balance within the figure. The classical discipline of the posture and the precise detailing of anatomical features reflect Mercié's academic training, while the formulation of the scene is intentionally restrained. The surface of the bronze is uniform and deep-toned, highlighting the subtle transitions of muscles and hair. The work represents the direction of late 19th-century French sculpture, where the biblical theme primarily appears as a formal and plastic question.