Different Portrayals of David by Different Artists - Essay Example

Full Different Portrayals of David by Different Artists David is not just a famous Biblical character but is also an interesting subject to well-known artists such as Donatello, Michelangelo and Bernini. The aforementioned artists expressed their fascination of the character through their artwork in their own unique ways. Although all three artists were commissioned to do their respective artworks on the same subject, they definitely worked with great freedom. Interestingly, they also have similarities in their artworks and this is what this paper is all about.

The works of the artists mentioned above will be scrutinized further to expose the similarities and differences of the sculptures which were made a century apart with Donatello making the first artwork in 1408 followed by Michelangelo in 1504 and Bernini in 1624. The most prominent similarity in the three art pieces is the nudity of the subject. Donatello and Michelangelo’s works shamelessly show even the private parts of their subject. Donatello shows David holding Goliath’s sword which he used to cut the head of the giant which he was standing on.

He wears sandals and a helmet but his body is not covered at all. Seen on the front, the details of his body are obvious. A viewer can see David’s testicles and his well-built body. The details on his face draw curiosity from viewers because he seems to be looking far with deep thoughts. Michelangelo on the other hand pictures his subject with more details. He is also standing tall and nude but unlike Donatello’s sculpture, the second David has no covering on his feet or head. Michelangelo made more intricate details in his artwork that it seems very real.

For instance, the muscular arms show evident veins, the abdomen and chest are well-chiseled to show a natural look. In addition, the face is also very detailed so as to show the facial expression of the subject. Bernini on the other hand covered the private part of his figure. His David is not simply standing but is shown to be in action, almost ready to fight Goliath with a slingshot. On the front view, part of his back is seen and his chest is covered as he positions himself to shoot his enemy.

He wears a little bag on his side and a cloth is draped around his midsection, covering his genitals. Although Bernini shows details in his work, he is not as detailed as Michelangelo. Viewing from the rear side, the sculptures show what is expected. Since Donatello and Michelangelo’s works are nude in the front, they are also nude in the back. However, Bernini’s David is covered at the back. When seen on the left side of the figure, Donatello’s David seems to have larger breasts and his stomach is not as flat as Michelangelo’s.

One can see the curves of David’s body and also the left side of the seemingly sad face of the man. Michelangelo’s David also shows the curves of the figure when seen on the same angle. In addition, his face is more exposed when viewed on the left side because he is looking towards the west. The same is true with Bernini’s work. Moreover, the details on the clothes can be more appreciated on this view. On the right side, Donatello’s work does not show much difference. Michelangelo’s sculpture naturally shows the back of David’s head as it is turned toward the other side.

Bernini’s artwork also shows the back part of his subject’s head when viewed from the right. In addition, a viewer from the right side can clearly see David’s hands stretching his slingshot, making the image more interesting as it suggests action.