David slaying Goliath

This rapidly preparatory sketch in shades of grey shows Rubens planning one of the 39 compositions that were to decorate the ceiling of the Jesuit church in Antwerp. It represents an early stage in the creative process and would have been followed by a more finished sketch in colours. Rubens used it principally to establish the figure of the young David, poised to bring the sword down on the giant’s neck.