A LOOK AT

Bernini's David Sculpture

GIAN LORENZO BERNINI'S DAVID STATUE

The statue was one of the numerous contracts for Bernini’s patron Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s residence, where it still currently stands.  The work’s particular topic is the scriptural David, who is about to hurl the rock that will take down Goliath, allowing David to decapitate him.

BACKGROUND OF THE STATUE

In 1623, when he was just 24 years old, he was engaged on the statue of Apollo and Daphne when he deserted it for unexplained reasons to start production on the David statue.

SUBJECT MATTER

The sculpture depicts a scene depicted in the Old Testament. David, a teenage shepherd, has just accepted the challenge and is ready to kill Goliath with a rock from his sling.

INFLUENCES

Bernini chose to depict David starting to throw the stone. This was a first; throwing figures in post-Antiquity sculptures was exceptionally unusual.

INFLUENCES

Another possible source of influence for Bernini’s David sculpture is Myron’s famed 5th-century BC “Discobolus”. 

STYLE AND COMPOSITION

The Bernini David sculpture is a three-dimensional artwork that requires space and invites the observer to stroll around it to examine its shifting nature based on the angle from which it is viewed.

THE ARTIST

Bernini was a notable architect as well as a leading sculptor of his day. He was a great student of ancient art and is recognized as being a key factor in the development of the Baroque form of sculpture.

WHAT IS THE STATUE HOLDING?

David can be seen with a slingshot in his hand. The picture of David embodied strength and dignity, as well as heroism in all its radiance. Bernini’s work took a different path: dynamism, mental strain, and movement. He depicted David prepared to assault, collecting all of his power and will. On David’s face, you can sense all of his emotions and moods.

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