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A US weapons firm has turned Michelangelo's most famous masterpiece into a gun-toting David.

The move has sparked outrage in Italy, with the country's culture minister saying the move was 'offensive and illegal'.

The bust-up began when Illinois-based ArmaLite posted the advert in an Italian newspaper featuring David holding the $3,000 AR-50A1 rifle with the line 'a work of art'.

But the weapons maker was a little coy when it came to showing David's famously exposed man parts - choosing to cover them up with a leaf.

ArmaLite's 'work of art' ad campaign also features an image of a gun hanging on a wall next to the Mona Lisa.

The gun is pointing at her head which Italy won't like too much either.

The Italian government say they hold the copyright on commercial use of the David image and would be taking action against the firm.

Culture minister Dario Franceschini said on Twitter: "The advertising image of David armed offends and violates the law.

"We will take action against the American company so that it immediately withdraws its campaign."

The marble statue of David was created by Renaissance artist Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504.