Eye of the David

Michelangelo, 1501-1504, Florence

Right eye from the sculpture of David by Michelangelo.

Michelangelo’s David was originally placed in the Piazza della Signoria, where a marble replica stands today, and is now housed in the Accademia Gallery. Standing almost 17 feet tall—about three times the height of a man—it was carved from a single block of marble. The sculpture was initially intended to be one of several pieces for the buttresses of the Cathedral of Florence's dome. However, after seeing the completed work, a committee decided that the piece’s remarkable articulation of the human body and its masterful composition warranted a more prominent location, leading to its placement in the Piazza.

The statue represents the Biblical David just before his battle with Goliath, an innovative choice by Michelangelo, who depicted the figure in a moment of calm concentration, holding a rock in one hand and his slingshot over his shoulder. This was the first time David was shown before the fight, rather than after his victory, with Goliath’s head. To ensure the sculpture appeared proportionate when viewed from below, Michelangelo enlarged David’s head and right hand, emphasizing the intensity of the moment before the rock is thrown.

Although a religious figure, the people of Florence embraced David as a symbol of their Republican liberty. Today, David remains one of the greatest masterpieces of art.

Dimensions: 8  x 7 x 5 inches