The face of David
The World of Arts by Gwen Heart
The spectacular statue of David sculptured by Michelangelo between
1501-04 is no doubt, is the best ever done by a sculptor to date. This
magnificent work of art sealed his reputation as the greatest lining
sculptor of his time and even to date.
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The Face of David: Good enough to break a million hearts. |
It was commissioned by Piero Soderini who was the first chancellor of
the Republic of Florentine. It was done after Michelangelo returned to
Florence from Rome.
The huge block of marble that David was to be worked upon, was left
abandoned for over 40 years after the Renaissance sculptor, Agostino di
Duccio gave up the idea of using it.
Since then, many sculptors of repute desired to sculpt David but it
was Michelangelo who achieved the task because of his dimensions used on
this marble block with no additional parts attached. The others were
unable to compete or even get close to a striking of his magnificence.
But Michelangelo was faced with a situation because of the damage done
to the marble block and he had to work on it under those trying
circumstances.
So, David became much broader than it is deep which made the public
view the statue from the front or back rather than the side. But David
stands tall, handsome and with perfect manhood both in physique and
charm. His nudity is beautiful art reveal nakedness as great art.
The Biblical character of David was an example of strength and
enormous courage to the people of Florentine, especially in the face of
adversity. It became of centre piece of civic pride on completion and
the pride of the city.
Still later, Michelangelo drew upon the victory scene in the Sistine
Chapel. The studies of David varied from other versions the sculptor
developed later. They had more muscle forms and created a powerful form
with physical presence in the spirit of the giant-slaying hero and
future king. The many faces of Michelangelo created later, maintained
the handsome semblance of the first original which nations have come to
adore and marvel at.
So, David became the inspiration and the influence of Florence. The
subject of David became the reminder to the republic government that
David had beaten Goliath as the Republicans had beaten the Medici to
gain ruling power in Florence.
The watchful and expectant expressions in the face of David, frowning
with intense concentration, emphasised these ideas. The expression on
his face is matched by the almost slingshot held high over one shoulder
as he gaze into the distance, waiting for his enemy to emerge within his
range.
What Michelangelo had in his mind when he carved David, is probably
the Biblical legend of David killing the mighty Goliath. This factor has
no doubt, reminded the sculptor of the war between the Republicans and
the Medici. He conveyed the strength of the God to the Christians
through David's valour.
But some critics have opined that the head and hands of David are
slightly too large for the body and if they are right at some point, it
is because David appeared broader from front as the sculptor worked upon
a damaged marble slab of over 40 years in abandance.
The 17 feet tall statue only enables when photographed to have a
direct view of the handsome youth's face and this experience is not
possible for a contemporary viewer. Michelangelo selected a model for
the statue of an adolescent boy and the slightly over-defined features
reveal their natural rendering of a youth not quite fully grown.
A classically ideal face with perfect features, David turned out to
be a dream for the Florentines who saw immortality in the figure. After
the statue was completed, Piero Soderini who had commissioned it, told
Michelangelo that he found David's nose too large.
The sculptor climbed up the statue of David and carefully pretended
to chisel at the nose and allow some marble dust fall to the ground to
enforce his deceit and Piero Soderini was overwhelmed by the act.
Michelangelo was one of the leading lights of the Italian Renaissance
and was without doubt the most inspirational and talented artist in
modern history. His extraordinary talent emerged in his early works such
as the Pieta for the Vatican and of course David for the city of
Florence.
A magnificent draughtsman, he was a painter, sculptor, poet and
architect that made his talent very prodigious. His paintings and
sculpture were largely influenced by mythological and classical sources
and mostly deployed for the main part of religious work.
He was a devout Christian and Christianity was his innovator. He
combined a high level of technical competence and his rich artistic
imagination to produce the perfect High Renaissance blend of aesthetic
harmony with accuracy to his work.
Michelangelo Buonarroti was born on 6th March, 1475 and died on 18th
February, 1564. He lived almost a full century and was still working six
days before he died. |
