Michelangelo's David is a classic shot. He is visited by an estimated 1.4 million people each year. With the advent of cell phones, he is in more than his fair share of photos. Being the classic tourist on our visit we took several shots as well.
But this one captures him at his best. He was originally built to be on the roof of the Opera del Duomo, the cathedral in Florence. On seeing the finished piece, they thought better, and he was kept at ground level. Today, all 17 feet of him poses in the Accademia Gallery of Florence (Galleria dell ‘Accademia di Firenze) in Florence Italy.
With all due respect, this shot is altered slightly. A Fig Leaf has been added to cover up David’s privates to tell a story. Unless you are a history buff or have taken a guided tour of the Vatican you most likely will not have heard. In the Middle Ages starting about 1555 and for about 400 to 500 years, the statues in the Vatican became considered too naked. Many statues were altered by covering or removing penises. A Fig Leaf, usually marble or metal, was used for the cover-up as they were symbolic of sin and sex. Our tour guide mentioned a rumor about a penis room, not part of the tour, somewhere in the Vatican.
The photo tells a little more history. A vignette effect was used to create a focus point. Vignette is French meaning "little vine". The word history shows it appearing in 1751 used in reference to a decorative design when in its day was the vine-like leaves used on title pages in book chapters. We like the god-like look the vignette gives him. David was built in the Middle Ages, specifically the Renaissance Period, between 1501 and 1504. Michelangelo was only 26 years old when he started the project. As mentioned, David is in Florence not Rome and for the record he never wore a fig leaf.
David is available both with and without the Fig Leaf, just press the Shop Button on our website.
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