Sensuality Versus Heroism

In the early 15th century, artist Donatello sculpted a male nude in bronze, David, using Classical ideals. At the end of the 15th century this sculpture was interpreted by another artist, Andrea Del Verrocchio. While both sculptures portray David standing over the head of Goliath, this is where the similarities end. These two versions of the biblical subject are much different in the way David is portrayed, his attire, as well as the overall feeling …

…well as the sensual feeling invoked from the sculputre, contributed to the sculpture being admired and interpreted by other artists. Verrocchio was one of these sculptures who instead portrayed David as a valiant hero with his use of warrior attire, upward gaze, and boyish features. Both sculptures use Classical ideals to portray the same Biblical character in different forms, and while they do contrast eachother, they are both equally beautiful and are still admired today.