the sculpture David, by the renaissance artist Michelangelo, is one of the most fascinating works in the history of western art.
It was started in 1501 and finished in 1504, being a huge human representation of more than 5 meters in height and weighing 5 tons of solid marble.
It is currently in the Academy Gallery, a prestigious museum in Florence, Italy.
This work is considered a masterpiece and an important symbol of the Renaissance movement.
Analysis of the work David by Michelangelo
This work is part of a project of twelve biblical sculptures used to decorate the exterior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, currently known as Florence Duomo.
In 1460, the artists Agostino di Duccio and Antonio Rossellino they had already tried, unsuccessfully, to carve the huge piece of marble, nicknamed "the giant."
The sculpture remained stored and unfinished for over 40 years, until at the beginning of the 15th century, Michelangelo took over the project and carried out the feat, considered the pinnacle of his sculptural work.
In this sculpture, Michelangelo portrays the biblical story of David and Goliath.
According to the holy scriptures, David was a young man who defeats the giant Goliath, a Philistine soldier. In this way, the brave boy helps the people of Israel to free themselves from the enemy's domain.
It is interesting how the narrative is told through the eyes of the hero. The presence of the other character - Goliath - is subtracted, existing only in the public's imagination.
David is depicted preparing to face the enormous challenge with only one sling, weapon used to throw small rocks. His attitude demonstrates a kind of "paused action".
Sculpture Details
We can notice, through the young man's facial and body expression, that he is very concentrated and relatively tense. There is also a bold attitude that denotes strategist and cautious thinking.
The frown between the brows, the expanded nostrils, the dilated veins and the piercing gaze are characteristics that make the work "almost human" and really impressive.
The statue's feet are also exquisitely crafted and show the hero supporting his body weight on one foot, while the other stands with his foreleg on the ground.
Curiosities about Michelangelo's David
There were a few episodes involving the big statue. Look:
- 1512: That year, lightning fell on the sculpture and hit its base, which caused small cracks in the ankles, but nothing to worry about.
- 1527: a group of republicans threw objects from above the Palazzo Vecchio and they hit David's left arm. The event caused fragments in 3 parts, which were restored, but are still apparent.
- 1846: creation of a replica of the bronze sculpture that was placed in the Piazzale Michelangelo.
- 1872: David transferred to the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence.
- 1910: placement of David's replica in front of the Palace Vecchio.
- 1991: the sculpture is the victim of an attack, when a man is hammered on his left foot.
Dimension of Michelangelo's David sculpture
This is a great job in every way. As stated, David's dimensions are over 5 meters tall, weighing over 5 tons.
It is interesting to observe a human figure beside the sculpture to have a real understanding of the proportions of such a statue.
Who was Michelangelo?
Michelangelo was an Italian artist who was born in 1475, on March 6th. Important artist of the Renaissance period, he managed to transpose to his art the characteristics and ideals of his time, both with regard to politics, as well as religion and culture.
He was active in various areas of art such as painting, sculpture, architecture and poetry. He received great recognition and was dubbed the the divine.
He died in Rome in 1564 at the age of 88 and was buried in the Church of the Holy Cross in Florence.
Don't stop here! Read too:
- Adam's Creation: Detailed Analysis of Michelangelo's Work
- cultural renaissance
