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DavidDavid © Scala/Art Resource, NY

David

Donatello. c. 1440–1460 C.E. Bronze.

Curator Note

"The first free-standing nude sculpture since antiquity. Donatello depicts the biblical hero David not as a strong man, but as a sensual, young boy after defeating Goliath. It celebrates the Humanist revival of Greek aesthetic (nudity = heroism/truth) but with a provocative, possibly homoerotic undertone."

Form

  • Bronze casting (lost wax method).
  • Contrapposto stance (relaxed, S-curve).
  • Life-size.
  • Smooth, polished surface.
  • Nude except for boots and hat.

Function

  • Commissioned by the Medici for their palace courtyard.
  • Symbol of Florence (underdog) defeating Milan (giant).
  • Revival of classical nude statuary.
  • Private art, allowing for controversial themes.
  • Moral allegory: Right makes Might.

Content

  • David standing on Goliath's severed head.
  • Holding Goliath's sword.
  • Laurel wreath on hat (victory).
  • Feather from Goliath's helmet caresses David's leg.
  • Young, unmuscular body implies divine assistance.

Context

  • Florence identified with David (republican liberty).
  • Medici wanted to align themselves with the city's symbol.
  • Radical departure from medieval association of nudity with sin.
  • Donatello studied Roman art.
  • Moved to the Palazzo Vecchio later.