The Bargello Museum in Florence is celebrating the return of the newly restored statue of David by the 15th century master sculptor Donatello. This famous work underwent a massive restoration process beginning in June of 2007 and just put back on display in November of 2008.
You can get a full report of the process, in an English language PDF at the official restoration site.
This beautiful statue has always raised a bit of a ruckus.
It is the earliest nearly life-size (it's 5' 2" high) nude statue since the days of ancient Rome, over 1000 hears before. The statue was probably commissioned by Cosimo Medici and certainly stood in the courtyard of the old Medici Palace in 1469.
Even though David is a revered Old Testament figure, this was not a work suitable for a church.
And it's an unusual depiction of the giant-slayer. Donatello imagines the boy-hero as a slim, graceful, rather effete adolescent. He gazes down at the severed head with a smug, self-satisfied expression. His left toes poke at Goliath's unruly beard. David wears a laurel wreath, an ancient symbol of victory on his shepherd's hat. The Florentines loved David and saw him as a symbol of spirit and struggles, an underdog who defeats much greater enemies.
Over the centuries much has been written about this work of art. It's generally agreed that Donatello was gay, and some have seen his David as a piece of erotica. Some have even suggested that this David looks like a girl with male parts.
As interesting as such speculation might be, I think it misses the point. Donatello created his David according to ideas found in Plato and his praise for "beautiful boys." It is more important to see how the artist has combined Platonic ideals with Florentine politics in a biblical figure.
I also think it's interesting to contrast this slender boyish figure with Michelangelo's massive muscled David, completed some 30 years later.
While the Bargello is not included on Time of Your Life tour itineraries, I encourage anyone interested in Renaissance sculpture to visit in their free time. In addition to the David,there are works by Micheangelo, Verrochio, Della Robbia, and some wonderful small bronzes, including Giambologna's owl.
