Representation of David

Representation of David

Thesis Statement

Bernini's David is a clear representation of David's response to the Holy Spirit and shows that God's will was united with his will.

Introduction

The different representations of David made by artists Donatello, Michelangelo and Bernini are a representation of the beginning, the height and the ending of the Italian Renaissance, and all three pieces of art reflect different views on the interaction of man with God (Jack, 1998).

Donatello's David

Donatello's has presented David as a young boy and he is pubescent. The long feather which is curled and comes from the helmet of Goliath, goes up to the back of David's right leg in a gesture that is seemingly erotic. Donatello had chosen to represent David's youth as he wanted to emphasize that David was not old enough to have experienced the miracle which he did; it was actually the Holy Spirit that aspired him to accept the challenge and slay Goliath using the shepherd boy as a vessel that was passive (Lubow, 2008). David was not himself involved in downfall of Goliath and the large sword in his hand is a representation of the Sword of Truth which came from Revelations.

Michelangelo's David

The David made by Michelangelo is depicted to be in his mid to late twenties, and is shown to have completely developed in terms of his masculinity. He is poised right before he throws the stone. It can be interpreted that the statue is a reflection of the Italian city state of Florence, which was also Michelangelo's birthplace. The body seems to be properly proportioned, except David's right hand. It is important to note that the right hand seems to be larger than the rest of David's body which is an indication that according to Michelangelo, David's hand was the cause of Goliath's fall. According ...