Donatello's David

Donatello's bronze statue of David (circa 1430) is notable as the first unsupported standing work in bronze cast since classical times. It created a sensation when it was first shown, due to its portrayal of the nude young male.

It originally belonged to Cosimo de Medici, and was placed in the courtyard of the Palazzo Medici in Florence. After the expulsion of Piero de' Medici, it was confiscated, and ordered placed in the courtyard of the Palazzo della Signoria. It is now in the Bargello. There is a full-size plaster cast (with broken sword) in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

There is online for free reading an historical novel centered on the creation of the statue, "Donatello's David." " class="external">http://donatello.0catch.com/Index.htm

External Links: Images of David

• Full length view
• Another view
• Front and rarer back view
• Detail of face