SCULPTURE

RENAISSANCE

AUTHOR• The author of this work is

Michelangelo Buonarrotti, one of the greatest and most versatile artists of all times.

• He produced great works in all branches of art and was one of the best painters, architects and sculptors of the Renaissance. (pg 88)

PERIOD• Michelangelo is one of the

four great artists of the Cinquecento (pg 86), which is the term used to describe the 16th century art, which flourished in Rome (pg 84), although this work was presented in Florence before he was called by the Pope.

CHARACTERISTICS• This sculpture, like other

Renaissance works, was inspired by models of the Antiquity, like the harmonious forms of Greek sculptures.

• Michelangelo tried to capture the idea of beauty of human beings. It is represented with a naked body and a strong figure. (pg 84)

CHARACTERISTICS• Great importance was given

to proportions and anatomical studies. We can appreciate that in David’s body details.

• Although it is an idealised figure, Michelangelo tried to capture David’s personality, by the look in his eyes. (pg 87)

HISTORIC CONTEXT• Europe left Medieval Ages

behind and started a period in which monarchies were much more powerful.

• New lands were discovered and colonised by European kingdoms.

• Humanists studied human thought, and defended the search for truth through reason and experience. (pg 83)

HISTORIC CONTEXT• Discoveries were also made

in science, like anatomy, geography, cartography, botany and zoology. (pg 84)

• Italy wasn’t a country like today. It was divided in different states. Florence was small but powerful, and that’s what David represents defeating Goliath.

IMPORTANCE FOR TODAY• David has been

represented by many authors but this sculpture by Michelangelo is the most famous and probably the most popular sculpture in Art’s History.