With its impossibly rich cultural heritage, Italy is home to some of the most iconic works of art that are famous the world over and that most of us will have grown up seeing. While there are many famous art cities in Italy (we just recently spoke of the astounding wealth of artworks within the Vatican in Rome alone), one of the most important and significant is the city of Florence. Known as the, "birthplace of the Renaissance," it is one of the must-see destinations that every art-lover should have on their bucket list. Luckily, we have an array of amazing villas in Florence to choose from, making it easy to plan a getaway and tick it off!
While on your arty holiday in Florence, one of the aforementioned iconic artworks that can be found in this gem of a city in Tuscany is Michelangelo's David.
Michelangelo's idealised male form, this magnificent statue can be found today in the Galleria Dell’Accademia. Originally positioned outdoors in the Piazza della Signoria in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of civic government in Florence, it was conceived as one of the sculptural works commissioned to grace the roofline of the Duomo. It never made it to the rooftop of the cathedral but, instead, was unveiled in the Piazza della Signoria in 1504. In 1873, it was moved inside the Accademia for its protection and preservation and a full-size replica was placed in its original position that remains there today.
Standing proudly on a podium, nestled in an alcove at the end of a corridor in the Accademia, the original is a glorious statue made of Carrara marble that is illuminated from above and its positioning helps present the statue in an arresting and unforgettable light. The commanding figure of the biblical hero, David, leans on his right foot, twisthttps://www.italy-villas.com/villas-with-pool_florence-and-surroundings.htmling his body in contrapposto, and has his famous sling draped over his shoulder. Rather than showing him after his victory as most precursors did, Michelangelo's David is shown in a moment of tension before the confrontation with the giant Goliath, with an apprehensive expression.
A striking gem that is sure to stay in your mind forever, it is a must-see for those who book a villa with pool in Florence and come to explore this extraordinary art capital on vacation in Tuscany.