I chose option one.
Michelangelo's "David", on page 642 of the textbook, shows many different characteristics of the Renaissance time period. The main one being naturalism in the form of the body and also in the expression on his face. these features are the ones that make you relate to the sculpture because it looks like its a guy somewhere off the street. When looking at it would see a young man in a relaxed but strength position. This position looks staged like its super fake, which to me sort of kills the idea of naturalism is a way. Though by it not being a natural position it shows us some signs of idealism to make him seem strong, prefect and flawless. By "Davids" body weight being put on his right foot and his left arm holding what looks to be a small bag over his shoulder, with his head in portrait style it shows a strong sense of harmony and balance in the sculpture. When all the aspects of common characteristics of its time this sculpture is appealing and that's why it draws attention.
While Bernini's "David" has some off the same characteristics of the Renaissance "David" it is Baroque Style. Baroque art has Incorporated parts of Renaissance art into there style but has also rejected aspects too. Bernini "David" shows naturalism in the position of the body, like it is action. It also shows it naturalism in David's facial expression like he has something to do and he will get it done. There really isn't idealism in this sculpture but you could see it in some Baroque artworks. When you first look its hard to see harmony but the longer you look the more visible it becomes, Like even though his body is almost all to one side him having the side bag and the fabric on the opposite side give it a balanced feel. This "David" looks show him to be a strong working man like he is on or is about to get off the battlefield.
Though both Sculptures are of the same man they are completely different from one another. they both are made of marble but the marble used by Bernini emphyisis the dirty, hardworking feel by having it infused with brown and black spots and lines. While to me David was always described to be a child or teenager I find the Baroque statue more realistic to the story because of his being in action even if he looks like he is a lot older. Both statues hit the key point of the muscles and the small pouches that make you realize that it is David. These works of art have some of the same qualitys and some very different quailtys that show they are from two different time periods, but can come together to show the same things in different ways.
I also find it interesting how David, though supposed to be a younger man (teenager?), is so often depicted in sculpture as a well-defined, perfected man in his 20s-30s. It is also interesting how artists can depict the same man in completely different ways, making David a completely different man. I also liked how you compared Michelangelo's "David" to that of a portrait in portrait view, which was very common of the time, as well as gives a sense of distance between David and the viewer, unlike Bernini's "David," which is very much engaged with the viewers.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I enjoy the way you write. I can relate to what you are saying more. It’s interesting that you pointed out the pose of David looking super fake, because I agree that it does create the wrong illusion. This makes Bernini’s David seem to stand out more than Michelangelo’s David. I liked the description of coloring in Bernini’s David. It’s interesting how he used these colors to accomplish that dirty rugged look to David.
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