In 1501, Michelangelo sculptured a marbled piece of a boy about 13 or 14 named David. In this sculpture, the boy is standing straight up gazing off into the distance and is completely nude. David’s feet and hands are seemed to be larger than normal. He has left arm raised over his shoulder as if he were making decisions. His right arm is relaxed down by his side. For his legs, David’s right leg completely holds all of his weight while his left leg is relaxed. This artwork is very well balanced. What makes the sculpture different is the proportion Michelangelo uses is that he makes the sculpture 17 feet tall. The muscles are very defined and the hair is curly reaching ear length.
The purpose of this artwork was to represent the protection of social liberties and present heroic resistance. It shows David preceding the decision he had made to fight Goliath before the battle actually happened. It was a moment in between his choice and actually actions; however, some say it represents the moment after his victory.
I believe this artwork influenced perceptions because it represents the big person he was at the time and how because his enlarged hands and feet, shows that he wasn’t fully grown but at the time was in the shoes of an older male fighting battles. Also, that he was using his brain while fighting with his hands and feet. This artwork was very well thought out and an outstanding image standing at the Galleria dell’Accademia, Florence.
