Sale, Dessins et Tableaux Anciens, Gersaint, Pavillon Josephine, Strasbourg, 17 November 1989, no. 265, David et Goliath attributed to Anton Raphael Mengs (1728–79 from which purchased by Richard L. Feigen, New York with Richard L. Feigen, New York until 1994 from whom acquired by the NGV with the assistance of the Isabella Mary Curnick Bequest and The Art Foundation of Victoria, 1994.
Zoffany Self-portrait as David with the head of Goliath, 1756, arrived from New York after purchase in 1994, fitted with an eighteenth century English carved timber frame. (above)
The impetus to reframe the painting came at the time of purchase.
The initial proposal was for an original mid-eighteenth century Italian Salvator Rosa frame.
A quote was sought for a replica of the frame (top) which was received in March 1995 and fitted to the painting.
carved timber and gold leaf
