I was in Florence the third time before I saw Michelangelo’s David. It took my breath away!
At another time in Florence, my son was relentless in seeing all of Michelangelo’s work. It was one continuous experience. Always grateful being able to work in Florence and having opportunities to see such incredible art.
Miss it all but so delighted to have experienced Florence’s art, architecture and hey the food!
I went to see The David many years ago. Your depth of description is marvelous and added depth to my experience.
I walked around the wall where he stood. I was in such awe that tears Rolled down my cheeks. He was beautiful and real but not. Your description helped me understand my reaction.
The veins, the muscles, the tendons, the scale. Gazing upon it both in person and in pix, I have to keep reminding myself this was not molded from clay. Astonishingly, marble. And at a time when theories about human anatomy were not altogether accurate. Thanks again James for your Michelangelo master class.
I'm glad you enjoyed it Alexia. There’s no feeling quite like standing before the David. It makes you understand why the word terribilità is used to describe the unparalleled greatness of Michelangelo.
Marvelous work, James. Happy to be a subscriber. … While in Italy, I heard that the heart-shaped pupils were a symbol of the love between M. and his model for David. 😍 Such Beauty was surely birthed from Love, not only technical prowess.
I love the David, as any sane person must. I also appreciate the analysis and detail of this fine article. But the beauty and perfection of the work, to me, imposes limitations which I don’t see in the “unfinished” sculptures across the room at the Academia, the four ‘slaves’ freed by marble. I find these as magnificent as the David, though in a very different way. They don’t compete, but rather enhance the greatness of the artist’s achievement.
If that’s the case, you’ll probably love the Pietà Rondanini. It has that same sense of openness and becoming that you find in the “slaves,” but pushed even further. I’ll write about it in the future.
Beautiful enlightenment here! Thank you! Divine indeed!
There's no one like him. Thank you so much Janet.
I wish I had known all this when I saw it in person 25 years ago.
Exactly what I was thinking.
You did David and Michelangelo proud! Lovely to read and see.
Thank you, that means the world to me.
I was in Florence the third time before I saw Michelangelo’s David. It took my breath away!
At another time in Florence, my son was relentless in seeing all of Michelangelo’s work. It was one continuous experience. Always grateful being able to work in Florence and having opportunities to see such incredible art.
Miss it all but so delighted to have experienced Florence’s art, architecture and hey the food!
Thank you, please keep us informed about Venus!
I know the feeling. I’ve seen David many times, but it always makes you want to go back.
❤️
I went to see The David many years ago. Your depth of description is marvelous and added depth to my experience.
I walked around the wall where he stood. I was in such awe that tears Rolled down my cheeks. He was beautiful and real but not. Your description helped me understand my reaction.
Thank you!
I truly appreciate you sharing this. Thank you so much.
Love David! Thank you for posting, James!
Glad you enjoyed it Lori!
The veins, the muscles, the tendons, the scale. Gazing upon it both in person and in pix, I have to keep reminding myself this was not molded from clay. Astonishingly, marble. And at a time when theories about human anatomy were not altogether accurate. Thanks again James for your Michelangelo master class.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The David
I saw this in person in Florence twice.
I stood for at least 40 minutes both times
It’s just beautiful
Thank you for this article
I'm glad you enjoyed it Alexia. There’s no feeling quite like standing before the David. It makes you understand why the word terribilità is used to describe the unparalleled greatness of Michelangelo.
You are correct.
I cried.
I’m Italian so…. ☺️
Marvelous work, James. Happy to be a subscriber. … While in Italy, I heard that the heart-shaped pupils were a symbol of the love between M. and his model for David. 😍 Such Beauty was surely birthed from Love, not only technical prowess.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I’m in awe just reading about it & seeing the beautiful photographs. ❤️❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words.
I love the David, as any sane person must. I also appreciate the analysis and detail of this fine article. But the beauty and perfection of the work, to me, imposes limitations which I don’t see in the “unfinished” sculptures across the room at the Academia, the four ‘slaves’ freed by marble. I find these as magnificent as the David, though in a very different way. They don’t compete, but rather enhance the greatness of the artist’s achievement.
If that’s the case, you’ll probably love the Pietà Rondanini. It has that same sense of openness and becoming that you find in the “slaves,” but pushed even further. I’ll write about it in the future.
Michelangelo's David: a window on heaven, a hymn to God's order and design, a celebration of the possible in human creativity. Thank you!
Life bestowed such a magnificent gift to the world in Michelangelo…
The math that was required to create this masterpiece is mind blowing.
This is a brilliant exegesis of a magnificent work of art. Thank you. I’m subscribing immediately.
Thank you so much Elizabeth!
You are so welcome. It was brilliant. I look forward to more from you.
He always takes my breath away, that David! All of them, actually!