How to Appreciate The David like an Art History Major
So much of the world is obsessed with the David. There are copies all over the world, miniature versions are sold in every souvenir shop in Florence, and everyone flocks to the Accademia just to see it. But part of me feels that people flock to it for the sake of seeing it as a popular art piece. Most people see the David as a whole; a strong man who is about to battle Goliath. But there is so much more to see; it’s in the details that make this one of the most famous Renaissance sculptures.
Although the Galleria dell’Accademia is full of art, I personally think the entrance fee is worth it just to see the David. I don’t know how to begin to describe the impact that this sculpture had on me, especially as someone with an Art History background, specifically Italian Renaissance Art. Let’s just say that I stood before it for almost 2 hours…and I could have stayed longer if the gallery were open longer (I even considered buying another ticket for the following day).
THE HISTORY OF DAVID
Michelangelo sculpted the David from a single block of marble between 1501-1504 and he was 26 when he started (as a 27 year old, I am awestruck and thinking maybe I should be more productive and turn off Netflix). It was originally placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio (where a copy now stands) as a symbol of liberty and freedom of the Republic. Florence at this time was threatened by rival states and the Medici family; therefore, David, as a hero ready to defend himself, perfectly represented the city.
Other representations of the biblical figure of David show him after his victory over Goliath, with Goliath’s head beneath his feet. This representation is entirely different; it shows him before battle. David stands in a pose known as contrapposto, which means that one leg holds all the weight, while the other leg is positioned more forward, tilting the hips. This gives a curved appearance to the body, making it appear as though the figure is in motion (this is common in sculptures from antiquity).
This position makes me think of waiting in line, shifting my weight from one foot to the other.
PLAYING WITH PERSPECTIVES
Something many people notice about the David are his proportions. His head seems too big, as well as his right hand. But this is probably due to the fact that originally the David was intended to be placed on the roof of the Cathedral of Florence. The perspective would make the proportions appear more regular, as well as more visible from below.
How David is usually viewed. Note the disproportionate head and right hand.
How David is viewed from an angle, as he would have been from the roof. Note that he now appears proportionate.
DAVID IN MOTION
When looking at the David, he appears relaxed, yet determined and alert. His eyes stare out to his left (apparently towards Rome) in a gaze that is fixed, his brow is furrowed in concentration and determination. Just the head alone of this sculpture is magic. I think about how Michelangelo managed to carve the locks of hair on David’s head, where it almost feels luscious (is it appropriate to use the word luscious to describe the hair of a male sculpture?…).
The neck is flexed, almost as if at this moment David took a deep breath. If you look closely, you can see the fine lines carved into David’s neck, making him appear even more human. His torso is flexed and strong, as is the rest of his body (if I saw David at the beach, I definitely would stare). His left arm is raised, holding his slingshot (that is almost unnoticeable, especially on his back).
THE LIMBS
Meanwhile his right arm…oh this right arm. If only I could take home this right arm. The muscles are so beautifully sculpted. The technical skill Michelangelo exhibits here makes it hard to look away. You can see the pulsating veins along the length of the whole arm. The hand, which in my opinion shows the greatest amount of skill of the whole sculpture, displays so much realism that you feel as though if you touched it, you wouldn’t be surprised to feel smooth skin. I love the way the veins stand out on the back of David’s hand, how the light and shadow enhance their appearance. I love the lines around the knuckles, the cuticles on the fingernails, the manliness of this hand. Something that is very easy to miss is that held in this right hand is a rock.
Finally, take a moment to admire David’s feet. The curve of his ankle bone, the tendons leading to his toes, the cuticles, the nails, the realistic positioning of the feet. Unfortunately, some lunatic in 1991 decided to smash the left foot with a hammer, and the damage is obvious. Even with this flaw, to me the David is perfection.
DAVID’S PENIS, MANHOOD, THING
…WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT
There is one other body part that I have yet to mention. It is one that people seem to enjoy talking about and where both women and men alike giggle when they mention it (I guess we are all still 10 years old on the inside). David’s penis, manhood, thing…whatever you want to call it, looks the way it does for a reason. People ask “why is it so small?” Well, it actually isn’t. Without sounding like a sex-ed teacher, David’s penis is flaccid (if you need more explanation, please proceed to Google for more answers). Another reason is that Renaissance sculptures looked towards antiquity for inspiration. These ancient sculptures always depicted men with smaller penises because they were considered better than larger ones. Apparently larger ones had negative traits associated with it such as foolishness and lust, while the smaller ones were associated with men who were intelligent and rational. The inspiration from antiquity is also why David is not circumcised (as a Jew, he would have been). Ok…I think now I can stop talking about penises…
I hope that with my analysis (I like to think my art history professors would be proud) I have inspired you to look beyond art as a whole. Art is meant to be appreciated for it’s details; for the painstaking effort it took to create every inch, for the technical skills exhibited, for the sheer beauty of the details. Whether it is the David or another piece of art, force yourself to be an observer rather than a passerby. Lose yourself in what is before you and allow yourself to be amazed.
About the Contributor
Elizabeth Pandza
Hi, I’m Elizabeth! I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada (in a very Polish household, I might add). I grew up with a love for history, art, culture, and languages; a love that has made me desire to see every inch of this planet. When I’m not travelling or dreaming of travelling, I am usually painting, reading Harry Potter, watching Friends and the Office, or cuddling with my ginger cat/daughter Misia.