David
Freestanding sculpture • Michelangelo Buonarroti
Style & Movement
High Renaissance
Medium & Technique
Carrara marble; substractive carving technique using chisels and drills, finished with fine polishing
Creation Period
1501–1504
Dimensions & Format
5.17 meters (17.0 feet) in height; vertical monumental format
Subject Description
A colossal nude statue representing the Biblical hero David. Unlike previous depictions showing the aftermath of the battle with Goliath, Michelangelo depicts David in a moment of intense concentration and alertness (terribilità) before the fight. He stands in a classical contrapposto pose, holding a sling over his left shoulder and a stone in his right hand.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; professionally maintained within a controlled gallery environment, though historically weathered by outdoor exposure.
Estimated Market Value
Inestimable / Cultural Patrimony (Not for sale)
Auction Estimate
N/A (National Treasure)
Provenance History
Commissioned by the Operai del Duomo for the Florence Cathedral; placed in the Piazza della Signoria in 1504; moved to the Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence, in 1873 for preservation.
Art Historical Significance
A masterpiece of High Renaissance sculpture, it symbolizes the Florentine Republic's independence. It represents the pinnacle of anatomical study and redefined the colossal scale in Western art, moving away from medieval proportions toward idealized humanism.
Notable Features
Oversized head and hands (originally intended for a high roofline perspective); the prominent 'tree stump' support behind the right leg; intense psychological expression in the eyes.
Condition Issues
Historical hairline fractures in the ankles (due to original weight distribution and a 19th-century earthquake); microscopic surface erosion from centuries of outdoor exposure; 1991 toe damage (repaired) after a hammer attack.
Conservation Recommendations
Continuous monitoring of seismic activity and structural integrity of the base; climate control to prevent humidity cycles; periodic non-invasive cleaning to remove dust.