MEETING DAVID

I saw David!!!! 

We walked into Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze and down the gleaming white corridor towards David, positioned at the far end. Right away I was impressed, but that wasn’t the only stunning piece of art at this museum. We also saw a bust of Michelangelo and The Prisoners, a series of unfinished statues. 

When I saw David, I was speechless. It was standing on a 5-foot pedestal, adding to the 14-feet of the statue itself. It was amazing to see it up close, because you notice all of the details that you can’t see in a photo. There is a sling hanging off his left shoulder and all of his muscles are bulging. It was flabbergasting, and words cannot describe this beautiful statue. 

After we bled our eyes out staring at David, we walked around looking for a few specific items. First, we spotted The Prisoners, five unfinished statues that lined the hallway, all sculpted by Michelangelo. My favorite statue is described by Rick Steves as being “tangled in sheets,” and he looks like he just woke up. He is stretching, while still caught in the covers of his bed.

After we awed at these statues, we saw the bronze bust of Michelangelo carved by Daniele da Volterra. It was sculpted right before Michaelangelo died and his expression is sort of brooding, like he is annoyed with this. It was astounding to see. 

If you ever visit Florence, seeing David is obviously a must do. And if you have been to Florence before, and not visited David, shame on you!