Michelangelo's "Statue of David" is housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence, Italy, and is a 17-foot-tall marble sculpture from the Renaissance. Completed in 1504, it depicts the Biblical hero David just before his battle with Goliath and is considered a masterpiece of anatomical accuracy and emotional power. Originally intended for the Florence Cathedral, it was moved to the city's main square and later replaced by a copy in the Piazza della Signoria to protect the original from the elements.
About the statue and its location
Artist: Michelangelo
Medium: Carrara marble
Height: 17 feet (5.17 meters)
Date of completion: June 8, 1504
Original purpose: To be placed on the buttresses of the Florence Cathedral
Current location: The Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence
Why it's famous
Renaissance masterpiece: The statue is a powerful symbol of the Renaissance, showcasing realism and humanism.
Symbol of courage: It represents courage and defiance, a symbol for the city of Florence.
Artistic skill: It is renowned for its incredible detail, emotional expression, and masterful anatomy.
Symbol of divine power: Michelangelo's emphasis on David's large right hand has been interpreted as symbolizing the hand of God, suggesting that divine power enabled David to defeat Goliath.
Visiting the statue
Book in advance: It is highly recommended to book tickets well in advance online to avoid long lines.
Location within the gallery: The statue is displayed in the Tribune Hall of the Accademia Gallery, a room specifically designed to highlight its grandeur.
Original copy: The statue in the Piazza della Signoria is a replica; the original is in the gallery.
Accademia's Statue of David Tickets & Guided Tours
Michelangelo's Statue of David, standing 17 feet tall and carved from a single block of Carrara marble between 1501 and 1504, is a...