Michelangelo's David

by Antonio Paolucci

Michelangelo's classic David is one of the world's most recognizable sculptures, a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance that is also a pop-culture icon. In Michelangelo's David, this timeless work is presented in an intriguing new light, with breathtaking original photographs and insightful writing.
Antonio Paolucci, noted art historian and curator at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, revisits the biblical story to rediscover David's personality, while reconstructing the milestones that marked Michelangelo's creation of this magnificent work. Sumptuous photographs -- some never before published -- by renowned photographer Aurelio Amendola capture David's precise carving, the elegant pose, and the grace of the modeling, revealing every detail of the statue as well as the wonder of the whole.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Antonio Paolucci (19 September 1939 – 4 February 2024) was an Italian art historian and curator, who was Director of the Vatican Museums between 2007 and 2017.

Reviews

[Tex · Rating 5 out of 5]

After watching the David from many angles virtually, it is elucidating to see this magnificent sculpture in excruciating detail. Three experts give various aspects of the sculpture--the myth behind it, the life of the sculptor and sculpture, and the history of the restoration attempts. There are up-close-and-personal photographs of many aspects of the skin of the piece giving pause to the skill of Michelangelo Buonarroti. Pinch yourself to remind that he was still in his twenties when he created both the Pieta and the David (taking over where two other artists failed and left the project).

[Benjamin Rubenstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

While in Florence, Italy, after my week-long writing retreat at Spannochia, I didn't visit the Uffizi. I don't care much about history and art. I didn't visit the Bargello Museum or any other museum, except one: I had to see Michaelangelo's David. To me, this is the Grand Canyon of art. I once wanted to be David, maybe I still want to be David, and I just had an epiphany to make that the quest of my narrator in my future book of fiction.

If you come to my apartment, you will see Benjamin and not David, though you will also see this, my first-ever coffee table book, the subject of which may be the only piece of art I ever have or ever will really give a shit about.

[Smiley]

I bought this book [THB190.00] at the SU Book Fair V today (Jan. 11). It's in fact a pictorial one without pagination, it's thus for those interested in seeing this famous marble sculpture from different angles by one of the great artists in the world, that is, Michelangelo. I've never visited Rome to have a look at this wonderful and unique god-like masterpiece, therefore, I hope to visit there once whenever everything is available and affordable.

My GR friends who have visited and seen it there are welcome to share your experience/impression with me, thanks.

[Vanlilith]

-

[Marty LaFleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

History of Michaelangelo's David including interpretation and restoration.

[Irune Ordax · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to this wonderful work, with a nice summary of Michelangelo's biography, along with the history behind the David and some art analysis. Easy to read, and with great pictures.