A computer-assisted study of the 4.34 metre-high statue, in the Galleria dell'Accademia resulted in the scientists being "stupefied" by Michelangelo's physiological accuracy. The only mistake is at a point in the centre of David's back that is hollow and ought to be rounded. Michelangelo was aware of the error. He wrote at the time: "Mi manco matera" ("I lacked enough material"). Now we all know why he is rather less substantial in one area than might have been expected, just one great puzzle remains: why, since David was Jewish, did Michelangelo sculpt him uncircumcised?
For the full story - click the title
Irish Art
Snippets of interest to lovers of Art. News about Irish Artists or otherwise. The odd rant...
Saturday
David Shrank with Fear
Michelangelo's David is meant to be a representation in marble of the perfect male form. So why did his creator not make him - how would one say - a little better endowed? The modest dimensions of David's "pisello" are a running joke with Italians. Now we hear the scientific explanation - he was shrivelled by the threat of mortal danger. Michelangelo's intention was to depict David as he confronted Goliath. What the new study shows is that every anatomical detail - right down to the shaping of the muscles in his forehead - is consistent with the combined effects of fear, tension and aggression. One effect would be "a contraction of the reproductive organs".
A computer-assisted study of the 4.34 metre-high statue, in the Galleria dell'Accademia resulted in the scientists being "stupefied" by Michelangelo's physiological accuracy. The only mistake is at a point in the centre of David's back that is hollow and ought to be rounded. Michelangelo was aware of the error. He wrote at the time: "Mi manco matera" ("I lacked enough material"). Now we all know why he is rather less substantial in one area than might have been expected, just one great puzzle remains: why, since David was Jewish, did Michelangelo sculpt him uncircumcised?
For the full story - click the title
Irish Art
A computer-assisted study of the 4.34 metre-high statue, in the Galleria dell'Accademia resulted in the scientists being "stupefied" by Michelangelo's physiological accuracy. The only mistake is at a point in the centre of David's back that is hollow and ought to be rounded. Michelangelo was aware of the error. He wrote at the time: "Mi manco matera" ("I lacked enough material"). Now we all know why he is rather less substantial in one area than might have been expected, just one great puzzle remains: why, since David was Jewish, did Michelangelo sculpt him uncircumcised?
For the full story - click the title
Irish Art
