David statue on Piazza della Signoria, Florence 11 Nov 2017
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Interestingly, the David statue on Florence's Piazza della Signoria is a replica. Michelangelo's original is in the Accademia Museum. It was moved there in 1873 to aid its preservation. Unsurprisingly, this decision was heavily criticised at the time. Through its depiction of the young boy who slew Goliath, David symbolises the birth of the Republic of Florence, glaring in the direction of Rome. The marble the statue is made from was famously rejected as faulty by other artists, but a 29-year-old Michelangelo sought to embrace its faults and patches of discolouration. Discover the fascinating city of Florence, home to over 60% of the Unesco Art Treasures on earth, with Insight Guides' Florence: A Step Back in Time trip.
This article was originally published on March 19, 2016
