David


 * __The David__ **

**By Michelangelo Buonarroti**


The David was carved from a block of marble that had already been used in an attempt to make a rendition of David by another sculptor. Standing seventeen feet high, the sculpture was referred to by Florentines as “the Giant.” He is set in the Palazzo Della Signoria to remind the rulers of Florence to defend the city and rule justly. Michelangelo decided to depict David with his head turned to one side, looking at his oncoming enemy. The anatomy of David’s body implies the action to come; this can be seen in the torso, sturdy limbs and oversized hands and feet. While making this statue, Michelangelo had the classic nude in mind. In this sculpture, he captured the tension of the Lysippan athlete and the emotion of Hellenistic statue. Michelangelo moved away from the self-contained compositions of the fifteenth century by turning the head of David, which makes the viewer think of the adversary whom David faces. This sculpture shows the change in Michelangelo's work from depicting beauty to showing emotion.

The David is located in Galleria dell’Accademia. Shown here is the replica that is in the Palazzo della Signoria. The Accademia does not allow photos, so I have shown the replica in its original location. To find the David from the Ponte Vecchio, walk north on Via Por Santa Maria. Walk two blocks and take a right turn on Via Viccherccia. After one block you will be able to see the David in front of you.

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 * __ Work Cited __**

Kleiner, Fred. //Gardner's Art Through the Ages//. 13th. Boston: Wadsworth, 2008. 468-9. Print.