The relief scene in the centre of this tazza (a standing dish) depicts the biblical story of David defeating the giant Goliath. This story was often used by artists of the Renaissance period to symbolise the triumph of good over evil. The design of this tazza is typical of northern European Mannerism, an exuberant style characterised by elaborate surface decoration and exaggerated forms and ornament. The strapwork ornament (interlocking bands and scrolls) engraved around the relief scene is often found on Mannerist silver. The vase-shaped stem with masks, flutes and swags is specifically associated with Antwerp and the southern Netherlands (modern Belgium).