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David Sculptures
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The Three Davids
Donatello, Verrocchio, and Michelangelo The biblical story of the young David slaying the Philistine giant Goliath with a stone from his sling, served as an heroic inspiration for many Renaissance artists. The three Davids, separated by sixty years, from Donatello's David, on to Verrocchio's version, and finally to Michelangelo's marble incarnation, highlight the popularity of David as an artistic subject. Donatello's David was a great hit when it was first unveiled in the 1440s. It was the first unsupported work to be cast in bronze of the Renaissance era. The statue's nakedness and implied homosexuality, with David clad no more that boots and a hat, made this work very controversial at the time. Some historians have questioned if this statue does depict David, and suggest that the helmet is more reminiscent of the Greek or Roman messenger gods, Hermes or Mercury. Verrochio's David was commissioned by the Medici family, and popular legend states that the model for the statue was a young artist from Verrochio's studio, Leonardo da Vinci. The placement of Goliath's head has been the subject of debate. Some historians say that the head should be placed between David's feet while others claim that it belongs to the right. The statue has been exhibited using both placements. A 17ft masterpiece carved from the finest marble from a quarry in Carraea, this is Michelangelo's David. The artist was only twenty-six years old when he was given the comm...
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