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David (Michelangelo)

David is a marble sculpture by Michelangelo, created between 1501 and 1504, depicting the biblical hero David.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

David is a marble sculpture by Michelangelo, created between 1501 and 1504, depicting the biblical hero David. Originally commissioned for Florence Cathedral, it is now displayed in Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia and is one of the most famous works of Renaissance art.

Background and commission

In August 1501, Michelangelo received a commission from the Opera del Duomo to create a large statue for Florence Cathedral. The marble block provided had been left unused for years and had already posed difficulties for earlier sculptors.

Creation and unveiling

Michelangelo worked on the statue from 1501 to 1504, carving it from a single block of marble. It was unveiled in Florence on 8 September 1504 after civic officials decided it should stand near Palazzo Vecchio rather than high on the cathedral.

Artistic and political significance

David became one of the defining images of High Renaissance sculpture. In Florence, the biblical hero’s victory over Goliath was understood as a symbol of the city’s strength, independence, and republican ideals.

Current location and preservation

The original statue has been in the Galleria dell’Accademia since 1873, where it is protected from weathering and damage. Copies and related casts are displayed in Florence and elsewhere.

Key facts

  • The sculpture was commissioned in 1501 and completed in 1504.
  • It was carved from a single block of marble.
  • It was originally intended for Florence Cathedral but later placed near Palazzo Vecchio.
  • The statue was moved to the Galleria dell’Accademia in 1873 to protect it from damage.
  • It became a symbol of Florence’s republican liberty and civic identity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Michelangelo’s David?
It is a marble sculpture of the biblical hero David made by Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504.
Where is the original David located?
The original statue is in the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, Italy.
How tall is the statue?
It is about 517 cm, or 17 feet, tall.
What was David originally made for?
It was commissioned for Florence Cathedral, though it was later placed in a public square instead.
Why is the statue famous?
It is regarded as a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture and a symbol of Florence’s civic identity.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_(Michelangelo)
    Supports: Creation dates, height, and status as a High Renaissance masterpiece.
  2. Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze — https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en/artworks/david-michelangelo/
    Supports: Artist, dates, dimensions, commission history, unveiling, and current display context.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/David-sculpture
    Supports: Commission, placement history, and current location.
  4. Accademia Gallery — https://www.accademia.org/explore-museum/artworks/michelangelos-david/
    Supports: Date range, size, original commission, symbolism, and move to the museum in 1873.
  5. Google Arts & Culture — https://artsandculture.google.com/story/dAWBjX-EWTtdYA
    Supports: Dimensions, chronology, commission, symbolism, and relocation history.