Originally, the wooden figures of David, Goliath and his bearer were made for the Amsterdam pleasure gardens called the 'Oude Doolhof' [The Old Maze]. Founded prior to 1625, it continued to exist right up to 1862. The gardens were not merely famous for the maze, fountains and arbours but also for the collection of figures. This comprised single specimens as well as groups representing mythological, biblical and historical personalities and events. The head and the eyes of Goliath can be manipulated with the aid of mechanical contrivances.