Join me (again!) at the Galleria Dell’Accademia…
My last “dates” with David were several years ago during COVID and again, a few years ago for my birthday. I was definitely past due and what better day than Valentine’s Day! ♥
First a Few Words About the Accademia and the Other Collections
There’s more to see than David at the Accademia! In addition to the Gallery of the Slaves (more later), there’s a beautifully curated gallery of glorious masterworks with a stunning plaster cast of Giambologna’s “Abduction of the Sabine Women” as the “centerpiece”. (The original sculpture is in the Loggia dei Lanzi.)
In addition there is a fascinating Musical Instrument Museum which houses some of the impressive collection of the Medici, as well as an entire room of plaster casts by Lorenzino Bartolini…and still more! Head upstairs for still another notable collection of Florentine medieval masterworks.
The Genius of Michelangelo…
As you enter, the main Galleria is lined with Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures, among which are those referred to as The Slaves or The Prisoners (Il Prigone). Intended for a monumental mausoleum for Pope Julius II in the Vatican but work had to be abandoned upon his death.
“The best artists that thought alone which is contained within the marble shell; The sculptor’s hand can only break the spell to free the figures slumbering in the stone.”
– Michelangelo
Emerging from stone – so evocative…the emotion, their struggle – physical and spiritual. Their unfinished state, works in progress, accentuate their struggle for release, freedom, maybe even salvation…and the effect is powerful. It is undeniable that it is precisely that they are “unfinished” that their impact is even more compelling. (And keep in mind that each is approximately 8-1/2 feet in height!)
David, The Giant
Sometimes there simply are no words…and even as you enter the main Galleria and approach David, there is a hushed silence…wonder, awe, even reverence. To bring forth such beauty from an imperfect slab of stone? Surely everyone has seen the photos 9as well as postcards, photos, and a zillion cheesy souvenirs) but to be in the presence of David is truly beyond description.
“If people knew how hard I worked it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.”
– Michelangelo
I’m not sure what to say that hasn’t been said already about Michelangelo’s David!? Simply mention the name “David” and who doesn’t know what and who we’re referring to? There are other statues of David in Florence. They are copies, of course, and both are wonderful but there is only one David and to see him again was such a privilege…
“Each block of stone has a statue inside of it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.”
– Michelangelo
Also known as The Giant, David stands approximately 17 feet tall (5.5 meters) and weighs approximately 12,500 pounds (5560 kilos). No wonder he is called The Giant!
It took Michelangelo about three (3) years to carve and sculpt him (1501-1504) at the age of 26! Incredibly he had already sculpted the magnificent La Pieta at the age of 23!! Remarkable!
In 1875, David was moved from Palazzo Vecchio (where a copy stands today) to the specially designed and constructed Tribuna in the Galleria. Although it was controversial at the time, there is no doubt that the elegance and simplicity of the Tribuna perfectly showcases Michelangelo’s masterpiece.
“The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.”
– Michelangelo
As you approach...there he stands. Glorious. Timeless.Triumphant. Absolutely magnificent. The pride of Florence. The epitome of perfection hewn from imperfection…
How one perceives and responds to art is very personal. I can only say that, for myself, these works evoke an intense emotional and visceral response, a profound reverence. This private moment…senza parole…no words.
I’ll let the photos speak for themselves… In all honesty, no photos, no videos, nothing can truly capture David. You just need to see him for yourself…and I hope you do.
♦ More:
About the David and the Accademia
♦ What You Should Know:
Information and tickets here – PLEASE use the official booking/ticket website:
https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en/#
♦ My Insider TipZ:
• Seeing David is one of the MOST POPULAR museums in Florence (the other being the Uffizi). It is absolutely imperative that you plan ahead and purchase your tickets in advance to avoid LONG lines and or LONG waits (and possibly disappointment.
• I highly recommend that you book the earliest entrance in the a.m. time slot before 10:00 am when groups and most visitors start to arrive OR in late afternoon/evening.
• After you check in and go through a security check, start your visit by going to your immediate left to see the Galleria of the Slaves and David FIRST! (Most visitors and groups start in the art gallery first so get a jump start!)
• Enrich your experience: Learn before you visit – read, research, watch art history webinars, YouTube, etc., to learn more about these magnificent masterworks before you arrive. (Also, consider an audio guide.)
♦ More Coming Soon: “The Beauty of Being Here!”
♥ More Italy Travel TipZ!
♥ Day tripping in Milan!
♥ The Vasari Corridor is now open to visitors! Walk in the footsteps of the Medici!
♥ It’s Carnevale Time in Venice!
♦ Did You Miss?
♥ The Costume & Fashion Museum at Pitti Palace
♥ The Palatial Royal Apartments at Pitti Palace
♥ The Impressionists of Normandy in Florence!
♦ And MORE!
