Florence, Italy

Photograph by Fred Blue

Michelangelo's David

Michelangelo Buonarroti was born in Caprese on March 6, 1475. I cannot tell you how magnificent his work is. I stood in front of this statue in awe (and no, it wasn't for THAT reason!) , absolutely speechless. 

It is said that Michelangelo used to go to the stone quarries to draw pictures of the masculine and well-built rock cutters and masons. There, he found these masculine physiques very appealing. He used his experience with these studies to perfect his form. I bet he had a really great time!

The Academy of Fine Arts in Florence was founded in 1563 and was the first school in Europe set up to teach the techniques of drawing, painting, and sculpture. Since 1873, many of Michelangelo's most important works have been in the Accademia. Perhaps the most famous of all dominates the collection, David (1504). This statue was commissioned by the city of Florence and when completed it was positioned in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.  Michelangelo was only 29 when this statue was completed. In 1873 the statue was moved indoors to protect it from the effects of weather and polution. A copy of the statue now stands in the original position in Piazza della Signoria. A second copy stands in the middle of Piazzale Michelangelo.

Interestingly, this was not a perfect piece of granite and had a major flaw. Michelangelo use his masterful skill to use the stone's flaws to his advantage. If you ever go to Florence, you must see this statue. Also impressive is the collection of the Quattro Prigioni (the four prisioners).