David by Donatello - Art History

In this video we will explore the iconic sculpture of Donatello, David. Let's get started. David is the title of two statues of the biblical hero made by the sculptor of the Italian Renaissance, Donatello. They consist of an early marble work, of a dress figure dated between 1408 to 1409, and a much more famous bronze figure that is naked, except for the helmet and boots, and dates from the 1440s or later. Both are now in the National Museum of the Varghese, in Florence. The first was Donatello's most important commission until then, and it had a religious context, placed in the cathedral of Florence. The bronze is still his most famous work, and it was made for a secular context, commissioned by the Medici family. The bronze statue of Donatello is famous for being the first independent bronze work on foot, founded during the Renaissance, and the first independent male sculpture made from antiquity. It represents David with an enigmatic smile, posing with his foot on Goliath's charred head, just after defeating the giant. The young man is completely naked, except for a hat with laurels and boots, and he carries Goliath's sword. The creation of the work is not documented. Most studies assume that the statue was commissioned by Cosimo de' Medici, but the date of its creation is unknown and widely disputed. The suggested dates vary from the 1420s to the 1460s. With the majority opinion recently tilting towards the 1440s, when the new Medici Palace was being built, designed by Micheloso. In the 17th century, David was moved to the Pitti Palace, to the Uffizi in 1777, and finally in 1865 to the National Museum of Varghese, where he remains today. According to Vasari, the statue was on a column designed by Dicederio d'Assetignano, in the center of the patio of the Medici Palace. An inscription seems to have explained the meaning of the statue as a political monument. The iconography of the bronze David follows that of the marble David. A young hero is holding a weapon in his hand, the charred head of his enemy at his feet. However, visually, this statue is surprisingly different. It has been said that the head is inspired by classical sculptures by Antino, a favorite of Adriano famous for his beauty. The physics of the statue, contrasted with the great sword in his hand, shows that David has defeated Goliath, not by his physical dexterity, but through God. The nakedness of the young man suggests even more the idea of ​​the presence of God, contrasting youth with the strongly armed giant. David presents himself uncircumcised, which is common for male naked men in the art of the Italian Renaissance. If you are passionate about art and sculpture as much as we are, do not miss our next videos. Subscribe and keep exploring the history of art with us.