Hu
Back to results

David-Apollo Michelangelo Buonarroti Casting Workshop of the Kaiser-Friedrich-Museum (cast maker)

Artist

Michelangelo Buonarroti Caprese, 1475 – Rome, 1564

Casting Workshop of the Kaiser-Friedrich-Museum (cast maker) Berlin, first half of the 20th century

Culture Italian
Date 1530–1531 (original), 1905 (cast)
Object type plaster cast
Medium, technique plaster cast
Dimensions

145 × 47 × 47 cm

Inventory number 2022.2.1.Rg
Collection Sculptures
On view This artwork is not on display

The David-Apollo marble statue was ordered from Michelangelo by Baccio Valori, who had been appointed as papal governor of Florence in 1530. The statue was destined for his palace. Michelangelo worked on the sculpture, which was never completed, in 1530—1531. The artwork is known by two names, as it is unclear whether it portrays David from the Old Testament or Apollo from Greek mythology. While many have claimed to recognise the head of Goliath in the uncarved marble block at the feet of the youth, the latter’s characteristic movement, as he reaches for an arrow in the quiver at his back, suggests he is Apollo.

This record is subject to revision due to ongoing research.

Recommended exhibitions