Term Paper on "History of Western Art Compare Donatello's David"

Term Paper 3 pages (1051 words) Sources: 3

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History Of Western Art

Compare Donatello's David with Michelangelo's David

Throughout history there are those works of art that have the ability to transcend time, creating an appreciation that connects the different generations. Two classic examples of this can be seen with Donatello's David and Michael Angelo's David. Where, both works of art are depicting a unique interpretation of the biblical icon. In the case of Donatello's David, it was created in the 1469 (by Donatello). The statue is a part the Renaissance period. The medium used is bronze. Its present location is Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence, Italy. ("Donatello's David," n.d.) While Michael Angelo's David; was created between 1501 and 1504 (by Michael Angelo). This statue is considered to be a part of the Renaissance period. The medium that was used is marble. The present location of the statue is the Galleria dell' Accademia in Florence, Italy. ("Michael Angelo's David," n.d.) What this shows, is how both works of art have a unique interpretation about David and the events surrounding his accent to prominence. To fully understand both interpretations, requires looking at the different stylistic qualities in comparison with one another. Once this takes place, it will provide the greatest insights as to the underlying interpretations of both works of art.

Stylistic Qualities

The different stylistic qualities can be seen immediately when looking at both statues side by side. In the case of Donatello's David, he is trying to go for more a graphic depiction of the battle, by showing a triumphant David with his foot on Goliath's severed head. At the same time, the use of bronze and the smile on David's face is capturing that sense of timelessness about these events. This is important, because it shows how Donatello, is instilling a certain amount of realism and satisfaction that David has about his victory. As a result, when you look at the smile and David standing over a dead Goliath, they are highlighting this sense of momentous accomplishment that has taken place. ("Donatello's David," n.d.) (Stokstad, 2011)

As far as Michael Angelo's David is concerned, he is focused on providing a more conservative interpretation about the underlying events that occurred. In this situation, he shows David in a more relaxed pose, holding a sling shot. At the same time, he has that sense of certainty and accomplishment about the underlying events that occurred. The expression on his face and his relaxed mannerism are all of part of this quiet confidence that is illustrated to everyone. This is important, because it shows how Michael Angelo is taking a more conservative depiction of these events, by illustrating how David could have looked after the battle. ("Michael Angelo's David," n.d.) (Stokstad, 2011)

Both works of art are also highlighting a sense of strength and masculinity in their interpretations. Where, the two different statues are showing the bulging muscles and definition of David. These various elements are important because, they are underscoring how David is supposed to illustrate physical / mental strength and sexuality. Where, the physique of both statues shows the physical fitness of the individual. While at the same time, they are depicting… READ MORE

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