Question

Describe the differences how the story is portrayed in the statues of David by the following artists: Donatello, Michelangelo, Bernini, For each statue describe the state of mind or emotion projected by the depiction of the young warrior.

Completed: 1440 Period: Early Renaissance Artist: Donatello Completed: 1504 Period: Italian Renaissance Artist: Michelangelo Completed: 1624 Period: Baroque Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Answer 1

David is one of the masterpieces in the world of art. It is a statue and also created by different artist representing different meanings. Donatello, Michelangelo and Bernini’s work will be discussed here. They created the David with different state of mind.

1. David by Donatello- It was the first ever nude standing statue which was built by Donatello. He was very much influenced by the humanist theories which lead to him the making of the statues that mainly represent the human body as functioning organism i.e. personality reflects an individual’s confidence. He represented the David as boastful hero instead of representing him as an admirer. He created the statue with various tools like bronze marble, tooth, pointed chisel etc. the statue represents the feeling of victory and confidence. The idea behind this to reflect upon owns past and learn from it. David’s look is so strong so that people were able to understand the important of humanity. The expressions completely depict that the man is having strong will power. In short, it can be said that his statue reflects the strength and a hope for people.

2. David by Michelangelo – He did not use the traditional methods to represent the David’s statue. He depicts him, as a hero; an admirer; a youthful man who is tensed with sense of magical power to proceed for the battle. The David showed the unwavering courage and strength. This statue mainly represents the decision of fighting with Goliath but before the actual fight i.e. flight and flight. The statue focused on the emotions which represents the harmony and balance.

3. David by Bernini- This statue is more like a league pitcher who is putting all his strengths to the pitch and throws a fastball at 95 miles an hour. This is very realistic, whenever someone looks at this statue immediately empathize as emotions of the statue are so real. The diagonal representation depicts the high level energy, movement and drama. The physical tension which is being depicted from the statue can be easily felt by anyone.