Everyone knows the biblical story of David and Goliath; how the young, faith-driven shepherd - alone and with only a sling and stone - slew the giant Philistine warrior Goliath and brought victory to Israel. It's a tale cherished by Christians and Jews alike and throughout history has been immortalized in all areas of artistry. Probably the most recognizable and praised works representing the story were done in sculpture by the Early Renaissance artist Donatello and the High Renaissance artist Michelangelo (both of which are not to be confused with the fictional, sewer inhabiting, kung fu turtle-teens). However, though both sculptures greatly illustrate their makers' mastery of statuary and are considered exquisite images of the biblical hero David, both Michelangelo and Donatello's "David" are extremely contrast in interpretation.
Even at a first glance, it isn't difficult to tell a difference in the statues. Though both depict David as a young and fair looking lad dressed without modesty in his birthday suit, there truly isn't much of a comparison in the overall form and scale of the statues. Donatello's "David" is a
Those emotions expressed in the sculptures eventually ring true when the areas of emphasis are studied. As both sculptures are surveyed, additional objects grab the attention of the observer. In Donatello's "David", the boy is holding the hilt of a large sword with the end of the blade touching the ground. The blade also appears to be pointing to an object resembling a human head on top of which David is placing his foot. With knowledge of the biblical tale, the assumption can be made that the decapitated head is in fact the head of Goliath and the sword is the one David used to sever the head. Conversely, it is not hard to tell that the area of emphasis in Michelangelo's "David" is the sling flung over David's shoulder. Again, with knowledge of the story, the assumption can be made that the sling is the one David used to knock out Goliath. Conclusively, Michelangelo's "David" is depicting David right before or during the fight, whereas Donatello's "David" is portraying David after the fight.
life-sized figure made from smooth and lustrous brass that relies on light reflections to create its muscles. He is petite an
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