David was a symbol of Florence. His story represented the promise and power the people’s city. This is why there are so many statues of David created during the 14th and 15th centuries. Each statue captures David at different moments during his story of fighting Goliath. For the purpose of this post, I will be focusing on Donatello’s bronze statue of David and Michelangelo’s marble statue.
The first statue of David ever created was by the hands of Donetello. He made two; one in marble and the other in bronze. The bronze statue shows a slender image of David with his foot resting on the head of the barbarian Goliath. It is the moment of victory. Donatello displayed David to appear youthful. He has no muscles and his body almost looks to be femine. To understand the purpose of this, you have to learn the story behind this statue and why it was created. It was the Medici family who hired Donatello to make them a David. Medici wanted David because he was seen as an underdog to the city. His youthful features represented how young Florence was at the time. However, they were destined for greatness. Medici wanted people to associate the power of David back to their family name. David stood as a warrior who “will offer victory even against the terrible foes” (McHam, Dontello’s Bronze David). The foes to which the article is alluding to would have been the Romans. David was also used as a way of giving young men in the area a role model to look up to. David was a well behaved boy who was vulnerable and obedient.
Dontatello made David appear naked. This would have been considered scandalous at the time. Dontatello was inspired by greek and roman sculptures and his goal was to bring back this idealistic style. This trend began to spread everywhere including Michelangelo’s statue of David. This statue was made in the 15th century a little after Donatello’s creation. He displays David as older, muscular, and perfect in physical features and form. He was a symbol of Florence’s strength and what they grew to be. This statue was meant to go on top of a building. If you look closely at the statue, you notice that the head and heads of David are emphasized. This is to make it easier for the citizens to see him from below. It was decided after Michelangelo was finished that the statue was too grand to be placed high above. So instead, they placed the statue in front of the Piazza della Signoria. This statue of David captures the moment right before he fights Goliath. He stares intensely into the distance as he keeps a strong grasp around his slingshot. David appears strong and mighty unlike Donetello’s version.
Although these two statues contrast in appearance, they both have in common the idea of heroism. They both stand for Florence and it’s people and how they have the capability to accomplish anything. They stand for justice and hope for the future of Florence. These statues represent a warning to those who wish to challenge their city.
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