David by Michelangelo is a marble sculpture that was created between 1501 and 1504. The statue represents the Biblical hero David, who is represented in a standing position with his left hand on his hip and his right hand holding a sling. His head is turned slightly to the left, which gives him an intense gaze. Michelangelo’s David is one of the most recognizable artworks in the world and has been praised for its beauty and anatomical accuracy.
The sculpture was originally commissioned by Pope Julius II to adorn the entrance of the Florence Cathedral but was instead placed in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of government in Florence. It quickly became a symbol of the Florentine Republic and was seen as a representation of the Davidic ideal of strength and courage.
Michelangelo’s David has been the subject of much scholarly debate over the years. Some have argued that the sculpture is a representation of Michelangelo’s own ideals of beauty and perfection, while others have argued that it is a more religious work that symbolizes the power of God. Whatever the case may be, Michelangelo’s David remains one of the most iconic and beloved works of art in the world.