Donatello’s David is an iconic Renaissance sculpture that depicts the biblical story of David and Goliath. It is regarded as the first known free-standing statue created since antiquity and represents several firsts in art history. The statue measures 5’2 inches tall, has a dark bronzed surface, and can be viewed from all angles.
It is uncertain when the bronze statue was created or who commissioned it, but it is believed to have been crafted in the 1440s in Florence, Italy. Donatello, one of the most outstanding sculptors in art history, created the artwork. His work is highly influential in various aspects of the Italian Renaissance, making David a pivotal work in the era.
Donatello’s David is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture, combining Judaeo-Christian subject matter with a classical sculptural style. It is the first bronze male nude and the first free-standing statue since antiquity. Art historians consider it Donatello’s most famous work and a “supreme expression” of the Renaissance spirit, owing to its impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail.
