Natural Pearl Sculpture - David with the head of Goliath

David with the head of Goliath, probably Dresden, around 1700-1706. Gold, enamel, baroque pearls, diamonds, rubies, quartz varieties in red and white. H 11,7 cm; Base: L 10.7cm, W 8.1cm. Green Vault, VI 105 © Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

In January 1706, boxes with a total of 102 gems and cabinet pieces intended for pledge took their way down the Elbe to Hamburg. Augustus the Strong was at this time in the wake of the Nordic war massively in financial distress and also wanted to protect its treasures from the access of the Swedish occupiers. It was not until eight years later that the convoy returned safely to Dresden. The 34 pearl figures, which August der Starke had largely acquired at the Leipzig trade fair, formed an extensive item. This includes the pearl figure "David with the head of Goliath".
Source: http://www.alaintruong.com/archives/2013/08/26/27899124.html