David by Donatello (c.1444-46)

David - Donatello - 1408 - 1409

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Artwork Information

TitleDavid
ArtistDonatello
Date1408 - 1409
MediumBronze
Dimensions158 cm
Art MovementEarly Renaissance
Current LocationMuseo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence
Location Created France
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About David

David by Donatello is an iconic sculpture created by the Florentine Renaissance artist Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi, also known as Donatello. It was created in the early 15th century and is one of the earliest surviving Renaissance sculptures. The statue symbolises bravery, strength, knowledge and divine justice, and is considered one of the finest works of art from that era.

Standing at almost 6 feet tall, David captures a detail-filled expression that conveys an aura of calmness despite his young age; he stares out in far-off pastures with wide eyes that are focused on a distant point. His body is ambidextrously balanced – his weight shifted to one foot – inspired by classical pieces but presented with an innovative realism common to Early Renaissance artworks. His left arm casually rests against his hip while his right hand confidently grips Goliath’s severed head tightly beneath itself, accentuating the slight tilt in David’s neck as it lends into the gesture of triumph even further.

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