Most of you would be familiar with the tale of David and Goliath. Did you know that 4 masters worked on sculpting David? 3 belonged from the Renaissance era, and 1 from the Baroque period. All 4 masters had significantly different renderings of David. They differed in poise, age, physique, facial features and even in their states of undress.

Michelangelo

Commissioned by: The Guild of Wool
Where: Originally outside the Palazzo della Signora, then moved to the Accademia Gallery in Florence. (Has been replaced by a replica at the original location)
When: 1504

Interesting facts:

• this was initially an unfinished project begun 40 years earlier by Agostino di Duccio
• This David does not include the head of Goliath, as in the works by Donatello and Verrochio. but depicts the moments before (or after the battle)

Donatello

Commissioned by: Cosimo de' Medici
Where: Initially at Palazzo Medici, now displayed in the Bargello
When: 1440s

Interesting facts:

• This David was a great hit when it was first unveiled in the 1440s. It was the first unsupported work to be cast in bronze of the Renaissance era.
• The statue's nakedness had implied homosexuality, with David clad just boots and a hat, was considered controversial at the time.

Verrocchio

Commissioned by: The Medici Family
When: 1473-1475
Where: Initially Palazzo Vecchio, now displayed in Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence

Interesting facts:

• Popular legend states that the model for the statue was Leonardo da Vinci

• The placement of Goliath’s head has been the subject of debate for quite a while now. Some historians claim that the head should be placed between David’s feet, white others claim it should belong to the right

Bernini

Commissioned by: Scipione Borghese
When: 1623-1624
Where: Initially in the Galleria Borghese, now displayed at Galleria Borghese, Rome

Interesting facts:

• The bit lip is Bernini's own expression as copied from a mirror
• Unlike Michelangelo’s, Donatello’s and Verrocchio’s versions of David, Bernini’s David was depicted in movement. The others were all portrayed in stationary states.