David

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David, marble sculpture by Michelangelo, 1501–04; in the Accademia, Florence. 5.5 metres high.

Uncover the story behind Michelangelo's marble statue of David, the slayer of Goliath

Michelangelo: David

Michelangelo: David

Michelangelo: David

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David

marble sculpture by Michelangelo

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Article History

Uncover the story behind Michelangelo's marble statue of David, the slayer of Goliath — Uncover the story behind Michelangelo's marble statue of David, the slayer of GoliathDavid sculpture by Michelangelo.
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Michelangelo: David — Michelangelo: DavidDavid, marble sculpture by Michelangelo, 1501–04; in the Accademia, Florence.

David, marble sculpture executed from 1501 to 1504 by the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo. The statue was commissioned for one of the buttresses of the cathedral of Florence and was carved from a block of marble that had been partially blocked out by other sculptors and left outdoors. After Michelangelo completed the sculpture, the Florentine government decided instead to place it in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The original is now in the Accademia, and copies have been installed in the Piazza della Signoria and the Piazzale Michelangelo, which overlooks Florence.

Keep Learning

Who was Michelangelo and what other famous works did he create?
Why is the statue of David considered such an important work of Renaissance art?
How did sculptors carve statues from marble during the Renaissance?
What is the significance of David as a figure in Renaissance Florence?
How has Michelangelo's David been preserved and protected over the centuries?

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.