Painting Analysis and Reflection: Sculpture of David by Michelangelo-Nursing Essay Samples

Michelangelo created the Statue of David between 1501 and 1504 using marble. The sculpture measures 517 cm × 199 cm (17 ft × 6.5 ft) (Painting Analysis and Reflection).

Artistic Movement

Michelangelo created the sculpture of David during the Renaissance period. Sculptures created during the period were inspired by nature and incorporated models of classical antiquity and mythology (Manetti et al., 2023). The David sculptor is a naturalistic representation of a naked human figure based on the extensive understanding of human anatomy during the Renaissance. Besides, Neilson (2019) observes that the Renaissance period was characterized by the forming of strong central governments in urban centers. In this case, the David sculptor symbolized the independence, strength, and beauty of Florence city (Manetti et al., 2023).

Style of Artist

Michelangelo influenced the development of art during the classical Renaissance period. Martin and Jacobus (2018) illustrate that the artist pioneered the development of anatomical drawing language models and life-like figures, which inspired the work of mannerism artists. The artist influenced the use of sculptures and art in expressing contemporary ideas common during the Renaissance. For instance, the statue of David was developed into a huge size symbolizing youthful beauty and strength (Manetti et al., 2023). Zirpolo (2020) observed that Renaissance artists like Giorgio Vasari believed that the statue of David was a miraculous way of restoring the dead to life.

Influences that Shaped the Work

The development of the Statue of David was shaped by political influences. Moreover, associated with the increased creation of central governments in urban centers. The city of Florence was affected by the turbulent political atmosphere created by its previous rulers. Moreover, the Medici family, who were kicked out of the city. The turbulent atmosphere and freedom from the tyrant Medici family prompted the adoption of the Statue of David. Consequently, as the city’s symbol of independence and civil liberty (Zirpolo, 2020) (Painting Analysis and Reflection).

Besides, Michelangelo created the statue of David based on the Epicurean philosophy, which assumed that people achieved happiness through tranquillity and freedom from fear. Tutrone (2021) explains that the Epicurean teachings recognize humankind as the central aspect of nature. In this case, Michelangelo believed that the Biblical David was the first humankind to conquer life by single-handedly killing Goliath. Hence, creating the sculpture of David. Creating the statue to symbolize independence, strength, and courage indicates freedom from fear and achieving a happy and peaceful life.

Reflection

The period of the sculptor’s creation, the artist’s style, and factors that influenced the design of the statue of David enhance appreciation of the piece of art. For example, the statue’s arms, head, and hands are larger than its torso and legs. Hence, indicating David’s alertness and readiness for action (protecting the city’s freedom) (Zirpolo, 2020). Consequently, the context of art provides an important visual link and clues crucial in understanding the basis and role of the art. Visual links enhance understanding of the artists’ feelings, the location of the artwork, and beliefs influencing appreciation of the art (Martin & Jacobus, 2018). For instance, the Statue of David indicates that Michelangelo was happy with the freedom of Florence after the ouster of the tyrant Medici family. Erecting the statue in the city also signifies the city’s independence and civil liberty.

References

Manetti, G., Bellucci, M., Nitti, C., & Bagnoli, L. (2023). A study of Michelangelo’s David from an accountability perspective: Antecedents of dialogic accounting in the early Florentine Renaissance. Accounting History, 28(1), 30-57.https://doi.org/10.1177/10323732221132029

Martin, F. D. & Jacobus, L. A. (2018). The humanities through the arts. New York: McGraw Hill Education

Neilson, C. (2019). Practice and Theory in the Italian Renaissance Workshop: Verrocchio and the Epistemology of Making Art. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 9781107172852

Tutrone, F. (2021). A View from the Garden: Contemplative Isolation and Constructive Sociability in Lucretius and the Epicurean Tradition. Being Alone in Antiquity: Greco-Roman Ideas and Experiences of Misanthropy, Isolation and Solitude, 201. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110758078

Zirpolo, L. H. (2020). Michelangelo: A Reference Guide to His Life and Works. United States: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. ISBN: 9781538123041