The Statue of David's Cultural Significance - Essay Sample

Introduction

The statue of David is a well creative piece of art that is greatly known as it symbolizes David a biblical role model. David is a creation by an Italian artist named Michelangelo. It was created in the period of Italian Renaissance between the 14th and 17th century between the years 1501-1504. It is located in the Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence in Italy. Michelangelo used the art style of fresco painting which his superiors taught him as he preferred it over using oil paints (Hartt n.p). The sculpture is made of marble.

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The sculpture is a symbol of defense of civil freedom in Florence. It was also a sign of independence from the struggle against the dominance of the Medici family. Also, David was a sign of strength and youth since its biblical reference in the fight between the Israelites and Philistines, David was young and managed to defeat Goliath using his intelligence and faith in God with just a rock and sling. This thus proved it to be a religious sculpture as it was meant to be mounted on the Florence Cathedral (Hartt n.p).

The statue also has some images that symbolize different things. The face seems to have an intense look yet also calm and relaxed pose to represent the preparation of choice to fight and actual the fight itself. His eyes seem to be transfixed on something distant, and his neck is under tension with a sling placed on his shoulder representing victory over the fight. The statue is also naked symbolizing that the human body is beautiful and a gift from God which should not be hidden.

Through David, Michelangelo tries to relate the message of victory even though one is not as equipped as their opponent but rather have willpower and intelligence to defeat him/ her. He relays that even though we may be anxious and tensed over the battle, we should be ready for the war. Moreover, one should use what they have to succeed like David used a sling and a rock despite being given the armor of a soldier while in battles but still defeated Goliath (Hartt n.p).

The statue of David has numerous cultural significances that range from political, historical to religious. They include:

• Rationalism - David reasoned when he was going into the battle as he was aware that his opponent was bigger than him. He rationalized and stood for what he wanted to use since the guards urged him to use the armor, but he just used his sling and rock. Therefore we should use our intelligence and willpower.
• Civic virtue- this is a symbol of defense of freedom for the people as they struggled to fight the dominating Medici family. Therefore, it urges people to stand their ground have virtues that will help them just like it was David's civic duty to fight Goliath.
• Anyone can be a hero- David was just a simple boy who was the only one that volunteered to fight Goliath. The fight turned him into a hero. Therefore, anyone can be a hero.
• Tourist attraction- David was a beautiful sculpture that was moved from the Florence Cathedral to the Galeria dell'Accademia so that all people could see its beauty.
• Empowering new ideas- David was the only sculpture that was nude as all the previous sculptures were covered. This thus urged people to express their new ideas and not to be afraid of criticism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the significance of the David sculpture is known to people, and they have helped them to gain insight in incorporating new ideas, being rational, as well as having civic virtues.

Work Cited

Hartt, Fredrick. Michelangelo the complete sculpture. New York. 2012.