David (Bernini)

myminifactory

In this breathtaking Baroque masterpiece, Gian Lorenzo Bernini brings to life the biblical hero in the instant before unleashing the stone from his sling to strike down Goliath, summoned by the Philistines to battle against King Saul's Israelite army. At his feet lies a dropped armor, graciously donated by the sovereign, alongside a harp - the traditional attribute of the hero - its end shaped like an eagle's head, a clear testament to the commission and celebratory intent of the Borghese family. The sculpture's back remains unfinished, as it was originally meant to be positioned against a wall in the Sala del Vaso. Bernini, renowned for his exceptional skill in treating stone as if it were flesh and fabric, showcases his mastery through this work. Created more than 100 years after Michelangelo's David, Bernini's sculpture carves its own path, ushering in the Baroque era. Michelangelo's iconic figure gazes steadfastly downwards, embodying tension and poise, drawing inspiration from Ancient Greek and Roman art to idealize the human form. In contrast, Bernini's David bursts with energy, capturing the moment just before firing his slingshot at Goliath. By activating the space around the stone, Bernini crafts powerful diagonal lines and curves, whereas Michelangelo invites contemplation of his timeless beauty. In this direct confrontation with narrative, we momentarily forget that this sculpture is crafted from stone. The Baroque movement, which emerged in the 1600s, saw the Catholic Church harness art to affirm and strengthen faith among believers. This was a core tenet of the Counter-Reformation, as outlined by the Council of Trent, suggesting that art serves as both a teaching tool and a means to deepen one's devotion. Permanently displayed at the Sala II - Sala del Sole.