Abigail

This is renaissance as it shows the naturalistic elements of the nude in roman and greek classical art, but differentiates from the “ideal” and athletic model usually portrayed. It’s boyish, feminine, and shows a youthful side to David. This figure displays an embrace of the human form - Humanism. The feather of Goliath’s helmet going up David’s inner thigh shows an erotic, and possibly homosexual undertone. Reflecting Donatello’s own (theorized) homosexuality. David is a symbol of power in Florence at this time as the Florence Republic was defending against the Duke of Milan. A young boy protecting against a giant. Florence was also allied with the Pope, favoured by God, as David was.