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David Comparision Essay

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David Comparision Today, just as Homo erectus did eons ago, modern man strives for expression through art. The evolutionary paths of man and art parallel one another; in that, the complexities, which have accompanied the millenniums, also have brought exponentially progressed forms of art. Sculpture is an art form that maintains a high quality of expression. Two examples of this are the Davids done by Michelangelo and Bernini. Michelangelo’s David and Bernini’s David represent their different time periods and artists while remaining similar.

Michelangelo was born in 1475 near Florence. At an early age Michelangelo’s interest in art eclipsed that of his studies, and so he began apprenticing at 13 in lieu of regular school. His …show more content…

The work shows a conflict between line and form with the muscles of the adolescent frame and the flat planes. The dynamic emotion is conveyed through the tightened muscles and wrinkles upon the face in concentration, just as those of every man before a fight (Hart 112). David’s large hands represent his strength and are characteristic of the later mannerism style, while the rest of his form is somewhat true to the conventions of the High Renaissance (Shaked 1). Michelangelo’s work embodies the influences of his time just as Bernini’s. Bernini born was in Naples in 1598 and was turned on to art at an early age by his father. He grew up with influences such as Hellenistic nudes and Classicism, but his most important artistic factor was being in Rome during the Baroque movement (Dexter 1). Bernini took a different and fitting approach to sculpting David. It was Bernini’s first major work, which he completed at the age of only twenty-one over a period of only seven months. Shakard writes, “[Bernini] depicted David as an artist (of war), using his hands as the means of his art (1). The work depicts him with his slingshot cocked back, his armor on the ground behind him because of it’s weight and his harp shrouded at his feet. Through this Bernini conveys David’s smaller stature and that his life is not one of a warrior. He wants to strike Goliath from afar. David’s face vividly

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