week 8 David

One of the most visually important differences between these two sculptures of David is in the face. Bernini’s David is a study of concentration. His is a stern and forceful personality with a face that shows how important the connection of his weapon to his enemy is. We see the look of near anger as he has already measured up his opponent and is now in the process of attack. Michelangelo’s David has the serene face of one that has nothing to worry about. Relaxed and at ease with his situation, perhaps we are seeing David before he even is aware that he will face the giant Goliath.

Another difference is in the attempt to give a sense of decency to the physical form of the two sculptures. Michelangelo’s David is seen in all of his glory. A youth with a healthy body beautiful in face and form. There is no attempt to cover up the genitalia of David here by his carver. Bernini’s David is blessed that a stray bit of cloth has come to his rescue to protect his dignity.

In addition there is the color of the marble used. Bernini has chosen a stone that seems dirty giving his statue more of the feeling of common men. This is no pristine youth he does not spend his time away from the sun and enjoying the pleasures of the baths. Michelangelo’s youth is nearly perfectly white as if to say that he is blameless and perfection before God. Obviously a vision of idealized perfection this David invites the stares of his admirers.

These differences combined with movement implied in Bernini’s statue are differences in how people in the baroque period were looking to make art and religion reflect the reality of life. Yes, artists still used idealized bodies and they still worked on items for the church however they also used movement among other things to get the viewer involved. Bernini’s David captures our attention and keeps it as we become invested in the unwinding of his body that will never come. In his work we are watching the past come to life.

Michelangelo’s David is a handsome youth created to stand on top of the cathedral. We admire the sheer size of the statue and the perfection of his smooth body. The very stance of this statue says I am in no hurry. He commands attention and it is hard as the viewer not to pay the attention demanded. The renaissance has been kind to this David as he is the perfect specimen of idealism.