David, Firenze

Michelangelo's masterwork, David, is one of the most famous sculptures ever created. With eyes that appear to be poised to blink and veins that almost seem to pulsate, we won't be astonished if David comes to life one day. Michelangelo's David, carved in white marble, is not standing over the killed Goliath, as shown in prior renderings of this biblical hero. His bravery and strength, on the other hand, are reflected in his confidence and pleasure. Michelangelo, who was only 26 at the time of commission, spent two years transforming a marble block into this magnificent image of a man.

Not many painters have been able to sculpt such a faultless human form that is neither unrealistic nor excessive. This masterwork demonstrates Michael's extensive knowledge of human anatomy, which influenced many of his contemporaries, including Botticelli and Da Vinci.

Today, David stands in Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia, just beneath a skylight created by Emilio de Fabris. Thousands of visitors visit the gallery to be amazed at how David seems even more wonderful in person than he does in the photographs.