History of Western Art Compare Term Paper

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As a result, both works of art share this similarity, as they want to instill the audience with a sense of awe and respect for this person. (Stokstad, 2011)

When you step back and analyze both statues, it is clear that Donatello as well as Michael Angelo is trying to impress upon the audience a sense of: strength and respect for their statues. This is illustrated by the way they are using his physique, to underscore his physical strength and sexual prowess. However, both artists have different interpretations about what this character should look like. As far as Donatello is concerned, he is highlighting these momentous changes that are occurring (through a graphic depiction of the aftermath of the battle). Where, he shows David posed victoriously, with his foot on top of Goliath' severed head. This is important, because Donatello is trying to instill in the audience a sense of awe about what took place, by showing the brutality and accomplishment from these events. In the case of Michael Angelo, he is going for a more subtle interpretation of the underlying situation. This takes place, through the conservative pose of David after the battle. The difference is that this interpretation does not contain any kind of graphic violence. Instead, it is showing a sense of certainty and calm, through the relaxed pose of David along with his facial expression. This is important, because it highlighting how Michael Angelo is trying to instill the sense of certainty, by letting the audience imagine the previous events in their own minds.
Conclusion

Clearly, both works of art are a representation of the artists and the culture of the Renaissance period. As they are reflecting the new sense of enlightenment, by allowing each artist to: use techniques and interpretations that were unheard of. This can be seen in: graphic and conservative interpretations of David. Part of the reason for this, is because the organizations that commissioned the work, gave both artists greater amounts of freedom to use their creativity. In the case of Donatello's David, his work was financed by Cosimo Medici. While Michael Angelo, received support from the Overseers of the Office of Works of Duomo. The purpose of the Donatello's David, was to illustrate another interpretation of the strength of God, by showing him as strong (but not an overpowering) figure. As far as Michael Angelo's David is concerned, his statue was originally created to provide an alternative interpretation of this biblical figure (as Donatello and other artist had created their own statues prior). Donatello's David is displayed at Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence, Italy. While, Michael Angelo's David is located at Galleria dell' Accademia in Florence, Italy. What all of this is showing is how both works of art, are giving everyone a unique interpretation of understanding this event.

Bibliography

Donatello's David. (n.d.). Oneonta. Retrieved from: http://employees.oneonta.edu/farberas/arth/arth213/donatello_david.html

Michael Angelo's David. (n.d.). Italy Guides. Retrieved from: http://www.italyguides.it/us/florence/michelangelo_david.htm

Stokstad, M. (2011). Art History. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.....

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