Standing 17 feet (5.18 meters) high at the Galleria dell 'Accademia in Florence Italy is an amazing marble statue; Michelangelo's David. It is regarded by many as the most beautiful sculpture ever produced and one of the greatest works of art in the world. On this page are lists of interesting facts about this beautiful Italian work of art. This information includes when it was made, where it can be viewed, why it is famous, and how long it took to create. This short description is written for both kids and adults.
Michelangelo's David Quick Facts
The sculpture of David was created by the famous Renaissance artist Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475 - 1564).
Michelangelo began work on David in 1501 at the age of 26. It was completed in 1504, being unveiled on September 8th of 1504.
This marble statue depicts the biblical hero David standing nude as he is about to battle the giant, Goliath; as described in the Christian bibles Old Testament.
Description of Michelangelo's David
This is a marble statue 17 feet (5.18 meters) high of a muscular youthful nude male.
David's facial expression and tense muscles make him appear nervous before his fight with Goliath.
David is holding a sling in his left hand and a rock in his right hand.
The statue has a disproportionately large head and hands; this is particularly true of the right hand.
Michelangelo was such an amazing artist that he carved David in such a way that it appears that he is twisting to the left; perhaps to face his foe.
Interesting Facts about Michelangelo's David
The biblical story of David involves the young Israelite David accepting Goliath's challenge to fight to determine a standoff between the Israelites and the Philistines. With his sling David, the underdog, hurls a rock at the giant Goliath hitting him in the forehead and knocking him down. He then kills Goliath by cutting his head off.
The statue was commissioned in 1501 and was intended to be one of a series of statues to be placed on the roof of the main cathedral in Florence. Upon its completion it was decided not to place it on the roof so that it could be better viewed and due to how difficult it would have been to raise such a huge statue to the cathedral's roof.
The statue was originally located in the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy. In 1873 it was moved to the Accademia Gallery in Florence. A replica of the statue now stands at its original location.
In 1527 the statues left arm was damaged during a riot.
The statue of David was considered a strong political message for the republic of Florence. Just like David was the underdog in his battle with Goliath, the people of Florence felt like determined underdogs against stronger states that surrounded and threatened them.
In 1991 a man, police described as deranged, ran up to the statue and damaged the left foot with a hammer. Visitors at the museum subdued the man, preventing further damage, until police arrived.
