Michelangelo’s David statue is an iconic sculpture. It was commissioned by the Medici family in Florence. It is easily one of the most popular sculptures in the world. The David is a must see Italy sightseeing highlight.
The sculpture was started by Michelangelo in 1501. The David Statue was unveiling in Florence in 1504.
To pick his piece of marble Michelangelo went directly to the marble quarry about an hour west of Florence in Carrara. There he found a giant piece of Carrara marble that he choose to use for his commission. At that time giant statues of man were not common. Michelangelo’s David sculpture in fact changed sculpture and in so doing the image of man.
Michelangelo’s David Statue – Who is David?
The David of course refers to the Biblical hero David. It was originally commissioned as one of a series of statues of prophets to be positioned on Florence’s Duomo.
Instead, when it was finished, is was placed in the public square outside the Palazzo della Signoria. This was at the time the seat of civic government in Florence.
Because of the nature of the hero that it represented, it soon came to symbolize the defense of civil liberties embodied in the Florentine Republic. Florence at that time of the Renaissance was an independent city-state threatened on all sides by more powerful rival states and by the hegemony of the Medici family. The eyes of David, with a warning glare, were turned towards Rome.
The statue was moved to the Accademia Gallery in Florence in 1873, and later replaced at the original location by a replica.
Today when you visit Florence you’ll see the replica standing outside Palazzo della Signoria. This popular square is full of replicas. Although it looks real and fools many tourists to Florence, don’t be fooled. To see the original David Statue you will have to visit the Accademia Museum of fine art.
For more information about visiting the Accademia Museum and for Michelangelo’s David statue tickets in Florence visit this page.
