Did you Know?..The David of Michelangelo

DID YOU KNOW that…

*Michelangelo’s masterpiece David originally stood in Piazza della Signoria in front of Palazzo Vecchio where one of the city’s many ‘fake Davids’ now stands.

*David’s stern gaze was said to originally face Rome as a warning glance should anyone challenge the independent city-state that was the Florentine Republic.

*In 1991, a man damaged the toes of the statue’s left foot using a hammer he snuck into the Accademia Gallery.

*The marble used by Michelangelo was brought from the Fantiscritti quarries in Miseglia, a small valley in Carrara.

*Historians frequently note the statue’s uncircumcised penis, which although it is consistent with the practices and traditions of Renaissance Art, it obviously contradicts the Judaic practice.

*The famous fig leaf that has often been associated with the David was first implemented as a result of Queen Victoria’s shock at the nudity of Michelango’s masterpiece, and she was so offendedthat she required that the fig leaf be used during royal visits.

If you are planning to  book your visit in the Accademia Museum and see the real David, click here.