I sent a message to my possessive man saying 'I met David' and he asked 'Who David?'..... Well, he's the most handsome guy in the whole world. I fell in love with him in my 1st year of college. I don't mind declaring my love for this boyfriend of mine on social media though mostly I don't talk about my personal life in the blog. And the best part, my man doesn't have a problem if I'm drooling over this boyfriend!!! Well, he's David - a sculptural masterpiece by Michelangelo!
It was sculpted in 1501-1504. Its a 5.17m tall, 5.5 tonne standing sculpture of n*ked man made of marble and represents David from Old Testament of Bible. It was originally intended to be kept on Florence Cathedral, but later was actually kept just outside the Open Air Museum of Florence - Piazza Della Signoria. Soon after, it became a symbolization of Firenze's power and he's staring towards Rome!!!
By 1873 it was moved inside Galleria Academia to protect it from natural elements. However by 2014, his legs started to pain. Well, I'm not joking. Being a free standing statue without support (except for that bit of tree bark behind one of his legs) for several centuries, its x-ray revealed that the marble in the ankle region of the statue was weak.
Anyways, he's just too beautiful and here are several images of him for you to appreciate Michelangelo's skill!!! A separate post is coming up on the rest of the Museum. Btw, have you seen a man more handsome than him???
My complete Florence (Firenze) travelogue:
Firenze Town: David by Michelangelo, Galleria dell' Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, Historic Centre of Florence, Loggia dei Lanzi, Santa Maria Novella
Pisa Town: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral & Baptistery, Pisa Camposanto, Pisa Town
To Get There:
Nearest Metro Station: Santa Maria Novella
Nearest Bus stop: San Marco Rettorato
Nearest Bus stop: San Marco Rettorato
Entry Ticket: €8.00; €4.00 (if you're below 25 yrs of age and an EU citizen)
Plus €4.00 as reservation charges if booked online
Timings: 8:15AM to 6:50PM
Plus €4.00 as reservation charges if booked online
Timings: 8:15AM to 6:50PM
Here are some tips:
There are way too many sites that sell tickets for entry and I had a tough time to figure out which is real and which is fake, so let me make your life easier - Official Galleria Academia Tickets by B-Ticket, the only official channel as authorized by Ministry of Heritage & Tourism of Govt of Italy.
Italians do not call is Florence. Its an anglicized term. They call the place Firenze.
Italians do not call is Florence. Its an anglicized term. They call the place Firenze.
Whole of Firenze town is small and I managed to walk to all the places of interest and to the hostel and bus stand and did not require any public transport at all.
What a wonderful piece of art to see in real life. I've always wanted to! lovinf the photos of his hands and feet ��
ReplyDeleteI haven't been here yet but I'm really hoping to go soon! It's awesome to see some more detailed photos than just the usual one. It sounds like an amazing experience!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and expression of feelings. I was watching this beautiful p piece of art for most of the time at louvre. I spent more time here than monalisa. Your pictures give a good glimpse of this master piece
ReplyDeleteWonderful post about the sculpture. You have described everything in detail and also covered the minute part of the statue. David is my love too. David looks so handsome. The closeup shots of hands and curls of hair are wonderful and attractive.
ReplyDeleteYour images and post mirror my fascination for this statue too. The precise sculpting of the statue - the feet, the nails ....man! It sure was a pleasure seeing it. :) Well done with your post on it.
ReplyDeleteHow incredible to see David in all his glory! I studied this in Classics and Art History, but have never been able to visit him in person. Just magnificent! I hope he was everything you dreamed of and more!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe even a statue would have a weakness point! The design is very intricate. What a beautiful art piece to look at!
ReplyDeleteWe have yet to visit Florence!!!! This looks amazing. I can't wait to see it in person!
ReplyDeleteI am planning a trip to Italy next year but I have not decided on going to Florence yet, although it is beautify. Do you recommend?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the article, its really made me want to visit! What a cool thing to tick off. It looks way bigger than i had realized!
ReplyDeleteWow you got some great shots of the statue. Looks like a peaceful place to visit, will need to check it out sometime
ReplyDeleteAhhh so fun! I went YEARS ago and they wouldn't let us take photos. I actually went behind and took a photo of his butt and they made me delete it! Would love to go back!
ReplyDeleteI love learning about history, especially art history and really enjoyed your post ,as I can tell you are passionate about your immortal boyfriend ;-p . Love the attention to detail in your photos, this images of his hands are so detailed within the statue and even the abs.
ReplyDeleteIts a wonderful piece of art. Then sculpture of David really looks beautiful. Will surely visit this gallery whenever i go to Italy.
ReplyDeleteThe statue was really perfect in every intricate detail. It would really nice to see the sculpture up close and appreciate the work of Michael Anglelo.
ReplyDeleteHave heard a lot about David. But you seemed to be really into him. Like how you have captured every bit of his anatomy. :P
ReplyDeleteI like that story about making your man jealous by talking about David. He really is so handsome! I haven't seen him since I was a teenager, but I remember him making a big impression on me. I'll have to go back and visit him again soon!
ReplyDeleteI had seen something sooo similar at Met! For a minute I thought it was about that statue. Well seems like your series of images would actually enable anyone create the perfect 3d printed form of this statue. :P
ReplyDeleteWhat a majestic piece! Can't wait to go and get to see it too, it looks so grandiose! We plan to go to Italy this summer, but not sure will have the time :(
ReplyDeleteAh I've heard people say Firenze before but I didn't realize that's what Italians officially call it. I love your enthusiasm for David :)
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the most iconic statues in the world. It was beautifully sculptured. I would also be taking pictures in different angles to capture the perfection of this masterpiece. It was nice that you were able to visit this place at a very good time. I would probably do the same so that I will not be caught up with so many other tourists.
ReplyDeleteIf you've caught the recent Aliens: Covenant, you will see your "boyfriend" there too... It's also the reason why Michael Fassbender's character is also called David :)
ReplyDeleteSeeing the David was definitely worth the queue at the Academia, its just so beautiful! Did you see the other David's? I love the one at Michaelangelo's Piazza!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful piece of art and not sure how many people appreciate the intricate details.
ReplyDeleteI truly like how you have written the first paragraph it caught my attention. Anyway, the sculpture is so amazing and beautiful. Who would not dare to admire Michel Angelo? Of course, mostly girls really admire him because of his wonderful art works.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm considering to get a visa to tour Europe like you did. No more home country vacation?
ReplyDeletei have read about the statue only in dan browns novel... and was my list of place to visit...
ReplyDeletethe photographs was amazing.... could read the details of the sculpture... kudos