Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael were stars of the Italian Renaissance and its artistic masterpieces. They were visionaries who changed the face of sculpture, architecture and painting.

Michelangelo was obsessed with portraying the body in all its splendor. He was 26 when he was commissioned with this project in 1501. In 1504 The David statue was installed in the Piazza della Signoria and it remained there until 1873. Now a copy is in its place and the original is in the Galleria dell’ Accademia. The David is widely known as one of the finest and most famous sculptures in the world. In the photo above note the detail of his face and of the slingshot.  What is he thinking?  There is still debate if he sculpted David before he was about to slay Goliath or just after.  What do you think? Supposedly he chose to depict him in the moments before his fight with Goliath and the impending confrontation.  This statue is the ultimate symbol of bravery and power. These qualities are reflective of the City of Florence!

The impact of seeing this statue in person is incredibly moving.  You wonder if it is worth standing in line to see a statue.  Then you walk into the rotunda and he literally reaches out and speaks to you as if alive.  It is a very powerful statue and experience.

Bulging vein in neck and detail in chest

Detail of Foot

Detail of Hands and slingshot

Next let’s explore the historic city center of Florence! Did you miss the earlier blogs on Florence? The next one is on the Churches of Florence