There are certain works of art that most of the world has grown up seeing all their lives. Many of these works come from the Renaissance and are still to be found in the so-called birthplace of the Renaissance itself, Florence. So, for anyone with even somewhat of an interest in European art, a luxury villa in Florence and a trip to the city at least once in their lifetime is an absolute must. In addition to enjoying the many other charms of Tuscany, a vacation in Florence ensures that you can see those so familiar works of art with your very own eyes and see how they stack up by comparison to what you imagined. One of the most iconic of all of these works in Florence and one of the definite must-sees has to be Michelangelo's idealised male form, his David.
Located today in the Galleria dell'Accademia, the statue was, for a long time, housed outdoors in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of civic government in Florence, in the Piazza della Signoria. Originally intended as one of the sculptural works to be positioned along the roofline of the city's beautiful Duomo, it was eventually unveiled in the Piazza della Signoria in 1504. In 1873, it was moved into the Galleria for its own protection and preservation and its original position is now occupied by a full-size replica. This can, obviously, be readily visited to this day but going to see the real deal is also a must.
David now stands on a podium in an alcove at the end of a corridor in the Galleria dell'Accademia, with light streaming in beautifully around him from above, illuminating his luminous Carrara marble skin. A looming presence in the gallery, the statue does not fail to impress. Completed between 1501 and 1504, this iteration of the biblical figure of David is depicted fully nude, leaning on his right foot, twisting in contraposto with his famous sling over his shoulder. He marks quite a departure from earlier depictions of the figure and is believed to be shown before his show-down with the giant Goliath. His tense facial features belie his nerves ahead of the legendary battle.
A key work in the history of art, this impressive and influential giant is certainly a must-see for any art-lover who has found a villa with pool in Florence and who is spending time in this wonderful art capital of Tuscany.
David now stands on a podium in an alcove at the end of a corridor in the Galleria dell'Accademia, with light streaming in beautifully around him from above, illuminating his luminous Carrara marble skin. A looming presence in the gallery, the statue does not fail to impress. Completed between 1501 and 1504, this iteration of the biblical figure of David is depicted fully nude, leaning on his right foot, twisting in contraposto with his famous sling over his shoulder. He marks quite a departure from earlier depictions of the figure and is believed to be shown before his show-down with the giant Goliath. His tense facial features belie his nerves ahead of the legendary battle.
A key work in the history of art, this impressive and influential giant is certainly a must-see for any art-lover who has found a villa with pool in Florence and who is spending time in this wonderful art capital of Tuscany.
