There are obviously more statues of David, but the five statues below are significant in the fact they are all, as mentioned, masterpieces. Five, you say? If you read the link above, only four are mentioned which is surprising as two statues are from the same artist - Donatello - and only 20 years apart. I was further amazed that many Florence locals seem equally unaware of the multiple carvings.
As a result of my trip, my opinion of "David" changed. Not of the impressiveness of Michelangelo's, but of the fact that "David" might conjure very distinct images. People may or may not be aware of all versions, but will most likely think of their favorite - although it's hard to argue the image of Michelangelo's is most dominant. It was for me. Most striking to me is Donatello's marble David emerged from the rock almost 100 years prior to Michelangelo's but seems to get very little attention. For example, I realized he created the marble version only after separate study of Donatello's work. Also, both Donatello depictions are about 30 feet apart in the same building - the Bargello Museum - which seems somewhat of an insult to his marble statue. Interestingly, Verrocchio's bronze statue is also in the Bargello, and there is seldom a line to get in. If there is, it most likely won't be very long. So, you can see three of these remarkable statues in one building and four of them in one city - and it was awesome. If you get a chance to visit Florence, make sure you leave having seen David at least four times.
In January 2006 I finally made it to Rome with Doreen. One of our first stops was Galleria Borghese which is marked in this satellite picture. The Borghese is where the fifth (newest) David resides. Made by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, this is the only action pose of the five motioned in this discussion. It is most impressive and to see it is quite the treat. There are more pictures below, but the concentration on David's brow, the pursed lips and the un-furrowed stare bring you right to the battle.
Michelangelo (1502-04) ~~~~ Bernini (1623-24)
WGA (Web Gallery of Art) had great info on each artist:
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the Differences:
You can find information about all these statues with the links below their respective pictures but allow me to offer my opinion on the most significant differences.
Donatello (Marble)
- This David is fully dressed and presents himself more as the king he was - complete with the crown of leaves.
- It is a rather large marble statue for it's time and resembles the Gothic form but also marks the entry of the Renaissance.
- One stone is embedded in the head of Goliath and another (in the sling) rests on top. This seems out of place but a bronze strap originally connected the rock to David's right hand.
Donatello (Bronze)
- The first bronze, large-scale nude statue of the budding Renaissance and it caused much ado.
- Only one of two statues showing the sword which David used to slay Goliath. As opposed to Verrocchio's, this sword has more accurate proportions since it's not David's sword, but rather Goliath's.
- The feminine qualities serve many possible purposes. David was young, he was considered very attractive, he didn't wear armor and most importantly, they remind us God allowed a single slung rock to take down a giant. David's faith, trust and obedience were his weapons.
- The hat is similar to those worn by shepherds and peasants which well portrays David's rise to the throne from less-then-expected circumstances.
Verrocchio (Bronze)
- This sculpture also shows a more feminine David which may be for the same reasons mentioned above.
- Goliath's head is a separate piece not connected to David's feet. This was the cause for much debate about the intended position of the head. As it is, it shows the victor dominating his prey. On David's right, it falls nicely under the sword and adds good balance. On the left, it frees David and gives the feeling that this is only the beginning of David's triumphs. You can try all three positions here: http://www.high.org/david/understanding.html
- The sword is not original but the hilt is and it's speculated the original was a curved sword. Unlike Donatello's sword, this one is much smaller and appears to be David's.
- This is the smallest statue of the five (about four feet high) which goes to show masterpieces don't have to be physically large. Mona Lisa is only 21 x 30 inches.
Michelangelo (Marble)
- This is a huge statue standing over 14 feet high. In the Galleria dell'Accademia.
- It is the only one prior to the battle with David holding his sling over his shoulder and the fated rock in his right hand.
- The hands and head are larger than normal proportions - with different interpretations as to why. Many believe it was foresight on the artist's part with the anticipation to make the proportions more accurate when the viewer looks up at the large figure.
- The pupils look like to hearts which I think was an attempt to show the reflection we always have in our eyes. Go here to see them
- Although the overall appearance of David seems casual and calm, his eyebrows are frowned which signifies the weight of the upcoming battle.
- This statue is a great example of contrapposto.
- This is the only action shot - caught in the moment before the rock is slung.
- David has a bag for additional rocks which is an interesting addition and is absent in all the other statues.
- There is a cuirass and a harp on the ground behind David which is consistent of David not using armor. King Saul gave David the cuirass but he liked to be free of armor. The presence of the harp indicates David not only trusts God to help with the battle, he knows he'll be playing it after his victory.
- The face expression is amazing and thought to be modeled after Bernini himself as he struggles with he difficult marble.
- I think this may be my favorite David but I'll have to see it to confirm that guess. (I did confirm it in January 2006 while in Rome. It was awesome)
- Musket
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