Basic and Fun Facts About The David!

Who made/sculpted the David?

The truly genius Tuscan artist named Michelangelo Buonarroti, a Renaissance man!

When was the David made?

Between 1501- 1504 (restored in 2003-2004) – Michelangelo started the work when he was just 26 years old!

Where is he located?

At the museum called the Accademia Gallery, in Florence, Italy

How tall is he?

5.16 meters (almost 17 feet, a shy short at 16 feet and 11.15 inches)

What is he made of?

One single block of marble from the quarries in Carrara in Tuscany, one of the whitest in the world

How much does he weigh?

5,660 kg or 12,478.12 lbs!!! He is made out of solid marble ;-).

Did you know that…?

The sling on his left shoulder and tree trunk behind his right leg were covered with gold leaf? Being outdoors in Piazza della Signoria in the elements for over 400 years washed the gold leaf away :(.

What is the meaning of the statue?

The story of David and Goliath is a biblical one, found in Book 1 Samuel. The teenage David had to defeat the giant Goliath, he could not be defeated by strength since David was smaller. It took cunning and skill to defeat someone bigger than him, and he did so with the slingshot.

Many statues before Michelangelo’s that portray this story always show David AFTER he has defeated the giant, with the head by his feet. Michelangelo decided to go against the current and portray his David BEFORE the battle. You can see in his face the concentration of him thinking how he’s going to do it, the rock hidden inside his right palm, the slingshot seemingly at rest on his shoulder and him waiting for the right moment pretending to be at ease. He could only defeat the giant if he caught him by surprise – and he did!

Are there copies of David?

Yes! The most famous are in Florence itself, outdoors. The first, in Piazza della Signoria, is a copy in the exact spot where the original used to be for over 400 years and the second one is in Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking Florence. This second one is also made out of bronze instead of marble.

Was he supposed to be in Piazza della Signoria from the start?

No, he actually was supposed to be on Florence’s cathedral (the Duomo), way up high on the side of the church where he would have seemed much smaller if we saw him from below. But as soon as the David was finished, everyone knew it could not go in that spot way up because it was a masterpiece to be enjoyed. A committee was put together to decide where it should go and thankfully it went in Piazza della Signoria where it could be admired up close.

Want to know more?

Read the full article on Michelangelo’s David to read more history about the creation of the statue, the story of its meaning, see more pictures and more.