Michelangelo's David: Great Art Explained

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"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter 12 December 2020
"Thoroughly researched and cleverly presented, with stunning visuals, Great Art Explained makes you realise that familiarity with a work of art sometimes makes us indifferent to its power" - Forbes Magazine, 9 July 2020
I started "Great Art Explained" during lockdown. My aim is to make videos which focus on one great artwork. I want to present art in a jargon free, entertaining, clear and concise way with no gimmicks.
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Michelangelo was the first superstar artist. He was a sculptor, a painter, an architect, a poet and an engineer. An outsider touched by genius. His statue of David, the most famous statue in the world, personifies the aesthetics of High Renaissance art, the politics of Renaissance Florence, and the technical virtuosity of Greek sculpture.
James Payne looks at the story of Michelangelo’s David, and discovers it is anything but the story of a teenage boy king who slew Goliath.
CREDITS
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them.
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
SUBTITLES
Chinese Subtitles by Charles Xue
米开朗基罗的《大卫》：杰作解析
Arabic Subtitles: Head Ismael
Greek Subtitles by Dimitris Grammenos
BOOKS
Michelangelo: His Epic Life - Martin Gayford
Michelangelo: A Tormented Life - Antonio Forcellino
From Marble to Flesh. The Biography of Michelangelo's David - Victor Coonin
"Theme" music: JS Bach “Sonata for violin solo No.1 in G Minor”
David, Accademia, Florence. Images are in the public domain.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great Art David t-shirt available in my new merchandise - crowdmade.com/collections/greatartexplained

[@lililililPitdinolilililil]

Smol piper

[@alexanderkarayannis6425]

"I saw an angel inside the marble and I carved until I set him free".... Michelangelo

[@alexanderkarayannis6425]

The ever modest genius artist, who considered he did nothing more than remove the extraneous marble around the figure inside it, as it was only struggling to free itself from the physical constraints of the block it was trapped in...It is of course, also a metaphor of the flesh burdening the soul, and the eternal, endless struggle of man to free himself from his own physical constraints. Oh, he set David free alright, and, despite all his other numerous artistic achievements, he really outdid even himself with this, his most expressive, detailed, larger than life and monumental work...

[@paxsmile]

@@alexanderkarayannis6425 So many talented people always underestimate their value. It reminded me of the BeeGees after each show saying “we’ve fooled them again”.

[@tylerwirkkala7311]

That’s the most bad ass quote

[@juddotto3660]

I made an owl out of pasta once

[@amberspecter8691]

@@juddotto3660 I made a racoon once

[@David-fl6ht]

I can't believe he did this at 26 what an insane amount of skill, I always imagined him working on his sculptures as some aged master who'd spent decades practising.

[@Anne-pv9cb]

26 wasn't young then, we have infantilized people.

[@Yuyine_]

@@Anne-pv9cb Not to mention people didn't spend as much time in theoretical education

[@biglloyd5870]

@@Anne-pv9cb 26 is young man lived until 88

[@Steven-ze2zk]

By the age of 26 the great artist would have had plenty of experience. He was fully qualified by that age.

[@jr6200]

And the Pieta two years earlier..

[@threedogsinatrenchcoat9968]

I love how Da Vinci and Michelangelo had a rivalry. It’s amazing how such brilliant minds could live at the same time.

[@celesterosales8976]

And Rafael, not only same time but same general area! Definitely interesting!

[@SoorajSuseelan10001]

@@celesterosales8976 because circumstances and situations make us do legendary things... That time and atmosphere there valued and practiced art... Which produced Michael Angelo and Da Vinci

[@celesterosales8976]

@@SoorajSuseelan10001 thanks for this! On a more mundane level, your comment reminds me how important it is for me to surround myself with people and things that lift me up.

[@FULLTIMEMUSIC444]

It blows my mind that one created the world's most famous portrait and other the world's most popular sculpture. They lived in the same era and were rivals

[@brokenrecord3523]

@@SoorajSuseelan10001 If culture selects a certain type of person to be great, what does that say about what we value now?

[@vamsisaraswathula4663]

"He is an alchemist. He turned marble into flesh and bone." I cried when you said this.

[@lotanowo]

Yes, that was ingenious. Makes you understand what alchemy was all about.

[@chase_9752]

I came

[@RepentJC]

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? Mark 8:36‭-‬37 Give your life to Jesus Christ and confess Him as your Lord and Savior and He will save your soul from damnation.

[@chase_9752]

@@RepentJC Sir, This is a wendy's

[@Steven-ze2zk]

@@chase_9752 lol

[@alanparana6899]

To dive even deeper (and in line with a comment you made about the Mona Lisa) the most spectacular thing about David is when viewed from below as the natural viewer...David’s expression seems confident and sparked with the certainty of the future as he peers into the distance. It’s only when you get on his level and view him eye to eye..do you see the concern in his demeanor. A truly masterful piece

[@jakestroll6518]

Not to be rude buy micro-expressions are only be visible up close so of course the emotions wouldn't be apparent from a distant. It's not genius, it's just the natural consequence of carving a huge statue.

[@alanparana6899]

@@jakestroll6518 it’s not the micro expressions, it’s the angle. Now you know

[@arionswargari537]

@@jakestroll6518 in

[@book-dy4bc]

great analysis

[@NoPrivateProperty]

everything is temporary

[@haltestelle793]

I find it astounding that Michelangelo sculpted the Mary and Jesus when he was 24, and even more that he sculpted "David" at 26!!!

[@caldoreo]

What are we doing with our lives

[@stefania5882]

And I'm 28 and have done 🤔... I'll get back to you if I think of something

[@shamaliwije4872]

Considering the life expectancy at the time, this would be a more mature stage of life than what we’d consider at present times.

[@nannuky1128]

i mean, what else was he supposed to do than master his skill? there was no internet, no television, no radio, no newspapers, no books, no cars... we'd also accomplish great things if we weren't constantly wasting our time on temporary satisfaction

[@TheMaryConway]

He wasn’t playing video games!

[@lluviadai96]

You know David is a masterpiece when Leonardo Da Vinci is jealous of it and want to put it at a less prominent place (12:19 to 12: 27)

[@judigemini178]

Lol that was such a petty salty move on LDV's part

[@amberbali432]

he probably had other reasons to say so

[@VoiceofAmhara]

I never in my wildest dream thought that an intelligent man like Da'vinch envies others.

[@aronbeast7]

Hard to imagine Leonardo Da Vinci would be like jelly ass like Edison... Hope that it wasn't out of jealousy that he said that...

[@kingzriot976]

@@judigemini178 yeah he didn’t like Michel because Michel started throwing shade and even called him out in person when Leonardo tried to greet him. Leonardo tried being cool with Michel and Michel brushed him off and told him he could never finish anything.

[@bodawei425]

"He was buried at just a stone's throw away from his devine David". Simply brilliant way to conclude this great hommage to the master.

[@joefreefire1664]

"I know I'm ugly." Best line ever

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏 for watching

[@MVCvevasI]

I thought I had invented the phrase.

[@jhNic]

Hey , same profile pic

[@secretshaman189]

But he brought incredible beauty into the world that lasted past his own life. Amazing.

[@LazlosPlane]

"I was SO ugly when I was born, the doctor slapped my mother! I tell ya, I don't get no respect." - Michelangelo.

[@sangyacht2659]

I saw David up close when I went to Italy, it truly is a magnificent sight. The texture, the detail, the emotion that went into it is truly breathtaking

[@GreatArtExplained]

Up close, David is something amazing to see, that you’ll never see in a photo. I hope my film inspired you to go again! Thanks for watching.

[@davido3026]

Michael angel made a mistake in the statue of David who knows where?

[@carrisebear3499]

It was glorious to see in person! Even the exact copy in the square doesn’t hold a candle to the real thing. And I saw the Sistine chapel after it was cleaned in 97. They thought he used more subtle colors (as evidenced by The Agony and the Ecstasy) but the cleaning revealed such vivid, saturated colors! A true master!!

[@patriciahimawan]

Same! I went with my high school trip, went for a day trip from Paris, just to go to florence just to see the david! I was so excited to see the david and when i saw that david from afar, right after entering the room, my god, i saw that the david was sooooo big! And when I see it closer, its insanely detailed! Not gonna lie, I was more surpised to see this than the mona lisa.

[@justicehenrydamian475]

@@patriciahimawan yeah, it's a statue, it's immense and it's harder to create than a painting as explained in d video

[@philippetremblay906]

A carpenter, Florence, 1542: "Magnifico! Que bello uomo!" A French noble on his way to Rome, 1699: "Quelle splendeur! Quelle perfection! Incroyable!!" A young Brit doing the traditional Grand Tour of Europe, 1867: "By Jove, an absolutely fantastic creation! Truly astounding!" Florida, 2023: "THE DAVID IS PORNOGRAPHIC!! YOU CANT SHOW THAT TO KIDS!!! ITS PORNNNNN!!"

[@GreatArtExplained]

Sadly that’s the truth!

[@philippetremblay906]

@@GreatArtExplained "I mean, can't you see how rock hard he is?" -Florida woman

[@Sysiphusjwk]

Please, stop with the lies. Couldn’t be further from the truth.

[@sschmidtevalue]

I was fortunate to see David in 2008. I have seen a lot of great art in museums and cathedrals, including the Pieta. I'd even seen two good copies of David. But I don't think anything took my breath away quite like the experience of seeing the original in its perfect form with the exquisite lighting.

[@louismuller8724]

Merely to see the original statue justifies a trip to Europe.

[@heidiankers108]

I have to agree. Like most wonders of the world, it has to be seen with one's own eyes. I had a Holy moment, to know that a fellow human, a man, sculpted this masterpiece. Standing there I had to re-evalute my ideas about a relationship with genius, what are 'God's gifts', are incarnate masters arriving , as did Mozart, fully-formed baby genius, I had to turn my mind to consider Angels, and Embodied saints, to alow for greater things than mortal existence, and I was right to let my mind thusly go; I have never been disappointed for letting His, Michealangelo's, David, sweep me out of my known small world.

[@FABM27]

Having travelled and living in Europe, have been fortunate to see many great works of art. But this was by the far the most breathtaking art work.

[@cazzimmacazzimma1253]

...se guardi il "Cristo Velato" di Giuseppe Sammartino rimarrai ancora più sbalordito...👍

[@giovannimoriggi5833]

@@cazzimmacazzimma1253 …se VEDI il "Cristo Velato" vedi un capolavoro completamente diverso: un'epoca diversa, un'intenzione diversa, una scala diversa. Il David è un monumento, il Cristo non proprio.

[@ernestavocado5522]

It's amazing how someone can take a block of marble and turn it into a life-like statue. That's true talent, dedication, and hard work.

[@Armstrongsteve302]

Hello, gorgeous...I stumbled upon your profile and noticed the beautiful smile on your face. You're charming lady of which every man that knows the heart of a woman must appreciate and welcome. I feel we should get to know each other. You must understand that I don't mean to be rude in any way nor come here to embarrass you but all I just want is to get to know you, don't know how you feel about this... hope you don't mind let me know what you think, love to get a positive reply from you🙏🙏🙏

[@spiderjerusalem8505]

@@Armstrongsteve302, wtf

[@PaulaZF]

Especially since the block of marble had had large sections of it removed by previous sculptors. Michelangelo had to create the design to accommodate that.

[@kazuhirala]

Well I just discovered another binge worthy channel

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for watching and commenting - usually I put out one film a month so enjoy!

[@Marisolita06]

Me too!! 😊

[@Barkingspider]

@@GreatArtExplained your channel is awesome!

[@AnushHariharan]

Jinx

[@shivkumarpabba4089]

I entirely agree. And what a great job this video has done! Wouldn’t mind giving it another 15 minutes.

[@nesho06]

I would add only how David's left arm was broken of into 3 pieces in the riots 1527, later reconstructed. Truly a marvel, went to Academia was looking for 20 minutes at the statue , went out started to go home - then I returned again because I just couldn't get enough of it, and stared some more.

[@TheKoolbraider]

I have an art degree and thought I knew all about this statue. But this is the very first time I've seen David's face and expression. Many, many thanks.

[@coreyham3753]

Agreed .... excellent video.

[@viktoriyarts]

He was so ahead of his time, he created David as if he used a reference from the internet. x3

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you 🙏for watching

[@viktoriyarts]

@@GreatArtExplained luv your channel, thank you as well!

[@chitagaudiane7578]

Aohknd🥳🤩💜

[@vishwasmeshram9241]

He used a Jojo reference

[@kirstenholmquist7074]

Yes

[@bluelionpuza206]

Finally, I understand why this statue is so famous. I never knew the story before.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for watching 🙏 please check out my other videos!

[@anthonygifford9494]

Ha you’re doing better than I am, I thought da Vinci made David

[@yunwahlam7456]

The problem with this channel is he made videos far more slowly than I watch them. I have finished all the videos and now have to rewatch them from the beginning. But they are still so good, after the second, third, tenth viewing. Still bring tears to my eyes and still make me watch thank him for everything he did for us.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much for the support - it’s appreciated!

[@caroleappling2007]

To see David in person is overwhelming.The statue is stunningly beautiful. It took my breathe away. It’s hard to describe how it makes you feel.To say Michelangelo was a genius, in this time when the word is used so casually is an understatement. If ever given the chance it’s a must see!

[@gallerina999]

James, you are outdoing yourself. What a magnificent video. More thoroughly explained than anything art history course I took at Yale. Bravo!

[@GreatArtExplained]

What a nice comment! Thanks so much!

[@sajeevsamuelrose9486]

@@GreatArtExplained wq5

[@charlesarchitect2202]

I studied architecture and art history in college, and my professor was one of the authorities in the country. His class was one of the most popular in the university and watching your videos reminds me of that wonderful time. The quality of your work is beyond any expectations, even for old viewers. This is exactly the kind of content we need now, EDUCATIONAL, remind people what those before us did and how wonderful our world is thanks to the arts. Thank you!

[@xavierjames9270]

..... magnificent..hardly know anyone in my personal life, that I would even appreciate ... let alone give feedback

[@sk.shifatulislam7720]

)mmHg D's razz hoy ni ba bank

[@psychokarloff]

Several months ago I read an absolutely frightening article in the New York Times, entitled ""David's Ankles." Apparently the marble (starting at the ankles)is starting to fracture internally, after centuries of standing under the enormous, crushing weight of the stone. According to the article, a vastly complex 3-D scan of the sculpture is in progress, so it can be "duplicated" before the imminent collapse of the statue. Art experts seem united in their fear that collapse is inevitable, but they have no idea when...but only the certainty that it will happen. They also say there is absolutely no way to halt this natural lifespan of such a monumental piece of sculpted rock, and any kind of invasive treatment would only make it worse. Horrifying that the Italian government keeps this under wraps and refuse to acknowledge in fear of losing tourism! And no, this isn't some freaky internet story - Google the NYT article. I pray I get to Italy someday soon to see this masterpiece.

[@alveolate]

this too shall pass... at least we have the technology to get a good resolution 3D scan? and james' great commentary :)

[@lucacavallin5308]

a perfect copy of the statue already exist, it is posed near to "palazzo vecchio", about the fractures, it's a known problem, experts know it since 1872, the situation is monitorate, David will be fine

[@theccpisaparasite8813]

That's nonsense. Talk to some mechanical engineers. The weak point is obviously the legs. Internal support can be introduced into the legs from underneath the statue. Interesting story though. Moreover, the statue can be placed on an independently suspended platform to reduce micro-vibrations.

[@nalla1782]

I don't get why Italy would try to hide the fact that the statue is going to collapse. I feel like know that it might fall soon would only make me want to visit Italy to see it even more...

[@theccpisaparasite8813]

@@nalla1782 it's really easy to see why Italy does not lead the world in technological innovation. Making a duplicate casting for display is the natural solution. Additionally, entoumbing the original in a heavy duty thick polycarbonate or aerogel suspending the statue in a non-load bearing (or distributed load) transparent encasement is a straightforward solution. This should keep it supported, protected, visible, and indefinitely secure. This is what happens when art curators or Italians are involved rather than engineers and materials scientists. Amateurs.

[@chejo6095]

THE FACT THAT HE MADE THE DAVID SCULPTURE AT 26 YEARS OLD WILL NEVER STOP TO AMAZE ME

[@florenciabalori3625]

I've always considere sculpting as the moat difficult of fine arts, it will nevere entermy mind how it's even possible to do something like the David in one lifetime, let alone everything that Michelangelo did in his lifetime, simply mind blowing.

[@methylatedlysine]

"just a stone's throw away from his divine David"

[@domvinyard1133]

Ha, wonderful

[@jackwalter5030]

The perfection of the male body. Sublime.

[@Marco-gy3bk]

Michelangelo was deeply in love with male body...that's why he represents it in most of his art.

[@lorenzruiz4278]

Smol pepe hahahaha 😂

[@justicehenrydamian475]

It was the veins for me Nigga sculpted the VEINS!!😭😭

[@peterfowke7818]

I think Michelangeo look like really Humour Male body brilliant art.

[@mariacristinacunha3412]

Seeing David at Accademia Galleria was such a breathtaking moment that brought me to tears. To me, the sensation was to be standing speechless in a very powerful presence. Amazing

[@PaulAirs]

14:43 - "Buried 'just a stone's throw away' from his divine David" made my day

[@ohmyblindman]

I can remember being in Macy's in NY looking at a replica of David and not being able to take my eyes from his beautiful back, so much so that I got lost from my mother because I kept returning to look at it, I might have been nine or ten, and at 67 now is still a vivid memory to this day, and still a back man.

[@GreatArtExplained]

I should have put in some more back shots! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@davidmaheengun2672]

For me, as a youngster, I was mesmerised by that abdomen. Now, at 60, David is still the highest ideal.

[@murman6140]

Take a trip to Florence, go and visit him.

[@heidiankers108]

Yes, the extrordinary beauty of the back. but then, the arms, the hand. and on..

[@phyllissanfiorenzful]

This fine video brought tears to my eyes.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much for the great comment - and thanks for watching!

[@MsHantubelau]

Agree

[@majellaantoniatresvalles560]

That is the power of art. 👍🏻

[@amrendra8779]

Jaao ro lo fir dekhne aana😡

[@hanoon52]

Me too

[@yoonglescomfydumb0309]

I just realized my professor did injustice by not telling us the whole story and study about the David statue. How come i had to learn this on a youtube channel and not by majoring in fine arts in a certain uni? Man...I wasted my money on them. I SHOULD'VE GIVEN MY ENROLLMENT FEES TO THIS CHANNEL.

[@richardfrizell7418]

When I saw the David for the first time, every hair on my arms stood straight up and I shivered. Such magnificence !!!!

[@blavkout]

My guess is he spent most of his time viewing his own body and how the veins constricted and contracted in the body because he was so obsessed with the way that he looked so for him to be able to make a sculpture with such detail makes sense to me

[@GreatArtExplained]

I’m sure he did use his own body. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@azmatbilall]

What I heard he would visit stone/marble quarries and study the bodies of the workers working there, as the work there was quite laborious and the workers had more athletic bodies. Thats why david's body has an athletic appearance, though not too bulky unlike a body builder.

[@ivanbreckner8159]

He actually was disowned from his family because he was sneaking into morgues and dissecting cadavers to observe different parts of the human body. He was quoted ones for saying “If only everyone knew how much time I spent doing this, they wouldn’t think it was that amazing”

[@kalanachamath]

Yeah! I feel the same

[@beverlyhayshouston2770]

Artists observe everything.

[@catrin1313]

Superb storytelling..... at last I've got the hang of why David has been so important ! This is a beautifully put together video, informing and surprising. Manages both great detail and the broad sweep of history . Extraordinary !

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much - I appreciate you saying!!

[@Armstrongsteve302]

Hello Catrin you're looking Stunning...I stumbled upon your profile and noticed the beautiful smile on your face. You're charming lady of which every man that knows the heart of a woman must appreciate and welcome. I feel we should get to know each other. You must understand that I don't mean to be rude in any way nor come here to embarrass you but all I just want is to get to know you, don't know how you feel about this... hope you don't mind let me know what you think, love to get a positive reply from you🙏🙏🙏

[@Songbirdstress]

So true, these works are so ironic, it's some times hard to "get" the hype. I was lucky enough to meet the Venus de Milo all alone, our eyes met across the room- I wasn't expecting to see her there. It felt like she talked to me. was a magical experience.

[@akanshayadav8699]

I was lucky enough to see this masterpiece in Florence. Needless to say I was totally mesmerized by it's beauty

[@ShahzaibKhan-ws9fb]

Ummmmmmmmmah love you so much my sweetheart

[@charliepea]

You can tell that the sculpture is made with 100% heart and care. From a flawed and cheap marble to a magnificent masterpiece with that subtle jugular vein, it shows Mikey is not taking his work lazily. The other Davids from other artists aren't as beautiful as this. Most cowabunga sculpture of all time.

[@sunnyside9197]

Started watching casually and ended up with goosebumps all over. This video itself is a masterpiece being narrated by an angel.

[@GreatArtExplained]

What a nice comment! Thank you 🙏

[@MetemDee]

You made Michelangelo sound like a God and I couldn’t be happier.

[@spidee530]

😳 aint nobody comes close to God tho rt

[@lilpp4791]

@@spidee530 its a joke

[@xami926]

@@spidee530 i do.

[@billgreen576]

Not a god but an incredibly talented human being who became that with hours and hours and hours of intense and obsessive hard work and practice, practice, practice. The bit that most of us fail to see in the successful.

[@mrobin3009]

Thank you. Please keep bringing the understanding of art to amateurs, the meaning of which elevates our mind and soul, helps us see beyond, we have a need for it now more than ever.

[@Noise_floorxx]

Absolutely

[@MddMLarisa]

I saw Michelangelo's David 3 weeks ago, after a few years of dreaming to see him. It felt like that was the pinnacle of my existence. Thank you for this beautiful video.

[@PaulaZF]

I hope you were able to see the unfinished sculptures leading up to the David. They are so powerful even partially sculpted. You get to see the progress of Michelangelo’s process, as so aptly described in the video.

[@MddMLarisa]

@@PaulaZF I did, of course, after spending with David enough time. Love them all.

[@lililililPitdinolilililil]

Me too would have been a pinnacle conclusion theoretically if I could see a naked mature man in marble statue 🗿

[@gowdsake7103]

WOW you dont have great aspirations

[@JanDoe4234]

I couldn't move my eyes for a second this essay was so enticing

[@GreatArtExplained]

Oh thank you! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@noahnipperus7320]

Bro; I'm not trying to blow upyrspt but: I just got an overview of stone sculpting, Renaissance geopolitics, anatomy/physiognomy, and art history. You are killing it James, thank you for making these

[@GreatArtExplained]

That is such a great comment - I really appreciate it! Thanks so much for watching Noah and that awesome comment 🙏

[@LucasStoten1]

I can hardly imagine how inspiring it must have been to witness the unveiling of this piece.

[@KL-qq1mu]

I don’t mind admitting that while I appreciate the skill that went into this masterpiece, it’s beauty, scale and accuracy, I could easily continue walking past it after a few minutes admiring it. HOWEVER!! The insight offered by this wonderfully thorough examination of the political, religious, psychological, and artistic context of the creation of this statue leave me dumbfounded. Being able to interpret the language of intent and design behind art is not easy or simple, but once you’re in on it, once you understand the what and why, it becomes the sublime, the genius, the beautiful, the passionate, and euphoric thing it was intended to be. You can feel it and all it’s glory, that raw expression of humanity, and be connected with it. That is the gift you have given with this video and that is to be applauded. Thank you! How amazing!

[@yaven8338]

"he was an alchemist, who turned marble into flesh and bone..."

[@MindfulAttraction]

Leonardo da Vinci definitely was a hater of Michelangelo 😂😂😂😂

[@wcjerky]

Likewise, Michelangelo hated Leonardo, or, at least, was critical of his work. Michelangelo was the much better sculptor; Leonardo was the inventive painter. Tragic is their strife towards each other; can we imagine what could have been created if they had resolved their differences and worked together?

[@DarthQuietus]

@@wcjerky They might've not been as amazing without an arch-rival!

[@MindfulAttraction]

@@wcjerky the reason why Michelangelo hated Leonardo was because Leonardo was talking crap about marble sculpture. Which was ruining his business. at first Michelangelo respected him but then he stopped respecting him because he saw Leonardo was condescending. I think Leonardo was just jealous of his youth and genius

[@MindfulAttraction]

At one point when Leonardo's Battle of angiari painting was destroyed, Michelangelo went over and expressed his condolences to him. He actually admired Leonardo

[@dimitreze]

@@wcjerky they did work together! against Shredder!

[@shedskin01]

I have not seen David in person, but I have seen Pieta. What struck me the most was the complexity of emotions conveyed on Mary’s expression. I cannot describe the pain but also the stoic resignation in the greater purpose of her child’s death, her sense of duty for the task God had given her. Likewise now, and thanks to this video, I understand better the complexity of the emotions on David’s facial expressions, focus, confidence, perhaps some fear, but overall an intellectual sense of determination and faith. It’s hard to appreciate these qualities without seeing the work up close. And to me, beyond the anatomical perfection of his works, this is where the genius of Michelangelo lies, his ability to convey complex, deep and pure human emotions simply by carving a rock: Amazing!!!

[@gaillouise8310]

Watch your commentary all the time and this was one of the best, thank-you.

[@EllieBloo]

Pieta, David and Moses have to be the most beautiful sculptures I have been blessed to see. Awe inspiring.

[@carlabroderick5508]

Best documentary on David I’ve seen. This work is my first and greatest love for the male figure. Could bring me to tears. David’s soul emanates through his gaze. Icon of Judeochristian consciousness.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you so much Carla for your comment! And thanks for watching - james

[@bensirach3586]

When all the lockdowns are off, someday I'll travel to see David. Great video!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks - and thanks for watching!

[@God-uv7xg]

I’m new can someone explain who David is

[@vedavathinuthalapati6867]

Will come with u😊😊😊

[@user-dx5bn4yk4f]

@@God-uv7xg he sang you psalms, very beautiful ones too.

[@piccalillipit9211]

When KZbin launched I said "What an idiotic idea - who on earth wants to watch other peoples crappy home video's??" I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE WRONG ABOUT ANYTHING - it is one of the great creations of mankind, this channel, Clickspring, Answers with Joe, and all the other truly incredibly channels... The creativity and capability of people out there. ASTONISHING.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Please leave a comment (even a short one) and "like" the video. It really helps promote the channel on KZbin. I appreciate it! James

[@davepowell7168]

Excellent work. In reality David would have used a fustibalis as weapon of choice as it would have been more stealthy ,the sling preloaded with the stone hanging behind his back before its silent delivery. Goliath didn't have a chance..

[@Bhadasstv]

This video made me realise, its not just admiring a piece of stone Its the work of art, meticulous use of hands and mind, and dedication so intense that nothing remains impossible.

[@PixPunxel]

You mention it as best sculpture ever made. I would surely say it is actually the best artwork ever made.

[@anthonybeaulieu9820]

Agreed, but for me Michaelangelo’s Pieta is a close tie.

[@mastluob2554]

Michelangelo was truly touched by God

[@happyvalleyroses8145]

Michelangelo was divinely touched. There’s no way to explain such talent!!👏👏

[@beafitze5909]

I’ve seen the replica in the Piazza della Signoria several times, and marvelled at the sculptures in the sculpture gallery. So much genius there! This video pointed out some things I’d never considered before, such as the reference to the “thinking man” of the Renaissance. I don’t remember learning about that tricky piece of marble Michelangelo had to work with, or that parts of the statue were once gilded. I’m fascinated all over again!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad I could show you some new information. Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@breathingart]

I was supposed to be there, to visit David last March.... and then Covid came... I'll visit David in years to come..

[@GreatArtExplained]

He’ll be there!

[@bordaz1]

This is overwhelming, almost emotional for me....Michelangelo's age & dedication, the flawed state of the marble, the inherent dangers of sculpting, and then the result....the genius is far beyond me, both inspiring and humbling.

[@EloanneCqra01]

I found your channel in my journey to start studying Art History and I'm amazed at how beautifully narrated and constructed are the videos. Each explanation brings forth the humanity of these wonderful artists that often are presented as distant geniuses. Your videos make me want to study the life and work of each one of them, get inspired by their methods and their dedication, absorbing it all into my own artistic path. Thank you so much for sharing your passion for art in such thoughtful videos. The only bad side is that now I want a series of documentaries about all great masters and all artworks in existence narrated and produced with your passion and quality. Dang it.

[@rogersurridge96]

James Payne is an inspirational teacher, and his videos get better and better. I've never seen such a truly enlightening account of David, or of Michelangelo himself.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks roger - I appreciate that!

[@feelingveryattackedrn5750]

It would be astounding the precision he worked with something of that scale even if they had a complete scientific understanding of the human body back then, but especially knowing that he did it all simply by collecting his observations and experiences.... honestly if i lived back then I mightve thought that god spoke through him and his art 100%.

[@hoalanho]

it's funny, that as a kid, it was the teenage mutant ninja turtles cartoon that introduced me to legends like Michelangelo.

[@vomyar]

I'am a tourist guide in Florence. I see this statua several times a week. I can affirm that this video (and the information in it) is one of the most serious and accurate I've ever seen.

[@nizianefonseca3184]

How lucky you are!

[@TheUnchainedMind]

Beautifully explained. This channel has a very bright future ahead of it.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you!

[@nandinibhatt8065]

The part where he describes how each vein was sculpted !!!!!!! Goosebumps literal goosebumps!

[@GreatArtExplained]

It is amazing - thanks for watching 🙏

[@rohithrnair8347]

I feel lucky to be alive in a time where such quality content is provided to us at our fingertips. We are grateful for all your efforts sir

[@NEMO-NEMO]

It’s really a “loose your breath” moment when you come around the corner to that gallery and you begin to see the extraordinary lighting that the room takes on, even before you see the statue. The gift from God that MichealAngelo possessed was other worldly. I visited that gallery and the Medici home/prison next door. It is worth the trip to Florence.. MA was the cash cow to his family. He supported them all.

[@ilynpayne7491]

Such a gifted man he neither ate nor slept because he wanted his work finished

[@jaybeegomez1172]

dude that's what most people are doing in the corporate world. lol

[@frenza6255]

@@jaybeegomez1172 😂😂😂😂

[@RJ-lk6qn]

12:37 what a sight it must have been to see this colossal sculpture being rolled down the streets for four days

[@GreatArtExplained]

Yes - and I love that photo. Thanks for watching!

[@arp_909]

Amazing. I’m not even particularly in to art but when I saw David on a trip to Florence it just blew me away, it’s magnificent and I just wasn’t prepared for the scale of it. Great video, I have an even deeper appreciation for David now

[@hawkeye943]

I got to see the Statue of David live. What an amazing site. I got told the story of the statue from a man from Florence. This statue was a symbol of the strength and virility of Florence. Most statues of David show him as small or frail to accentuate the difference in size of Goliath. The video was very well done. Great job!

[@bicyclist2]

Thankfully I had the opportunity to see it in person in August 1990. With my girlfriend and her parents. Thank you.

[@titancloud]

Nice eggplant to the face right up front, that’s high Renaissance

[@GreatArtExplained]

😂

[@zahid8405]

LOL

[@jennyhunt]

I scrolled down looking for this comment.

[@lestudio76]

Men wish they were as big as an eggplant

[@chocoloto465]

That's a grape

[@rogerwright1168]

I saw the statue 20 years ago and I was in absolute awe at it's beauty. After seeing this video, I am in even more awe at the sheer majesty of this statue.

[@francisleunggie]

I was in tears at the end of the video..

[@10rahulsharma]

The part about him being an alchemist who turned a block of marble into the embodiment of an empire is inspired. Very well made video that comes close to capturing the politics of David in addition to the technical mastery. Kudos!

[@leeirwin4851]

Everything in Micalangelos David is of the right proportion and ballance. The relaxation and tension in muscles are even, down to how much blood were in the veins, this was a decade before mankind even knew such complex matters of the human anatomy, each half of Davids body work with each other to produce a master piece beyond compare.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great comment! Thanks 🙏

[@leeirwin4851]

@@GreatArtExplained why thank you 🙂............you're videos are a masterpiece in their own right. GOD bless you my friend 🙏

[@Eric1396]

I've never really had interest in the famous sculptures and painting until I saw your videos. Just fascinating.

[@Jonimhoff]

"just a stone's throw away" Amazing! - thank you so much for your dedicated work on these series, it's a real treat to revisit these works time and time again

[@lupenaakailea2886]

Im a 2nd year student study Architectural technology, and for 2020 first assessment is to write a Journals about an artists. MichaelAngelo is one of my artists and I want to thank you for all the information you have provided in this video. This will help me to learn more about his beautiful work 💖

[@henrymonroe4300]

This truly is the greatest statue ever created

[@Anthony-tr4lm]

Laocoon and sons? Pieta?

[@henrymonroe4300]

@@Anthony-tr4lm im a huge fan of those of course but something about David really inspires me - its so triumphant while the pieta fills me with a kind of sadness for Mary

[@TheMRmatt007]

I'm Italian and this beautiful video moved me to tears. Thank you.

[@patcomerford7648]

Thank you for the upload. One of the greatest pilgrimages I made in my life was to visit the grave of Michelangelo in Florence. And imagine, his next door neighbour is Machiavelli!

[@ritikachakradhar7198]

This is literally the best art channel I've come across.

[@2kiah431]

what generous deed must i have done to discover this beautiful channel

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@DarkForcesStudio]

I've seen this work of art. It's breathtaking on multiple levels. Humanity is capable of great things. Never give up. x

[@calamares3219]

Like David, this video itself is a perfection. Every point it contains is valuable. Thank you very much for the great content.

[@pdmb7659]

The YT algorithm just recommended this video to me and I’m SO HAPPY I found your channel. This is amazing!!

[@cuauhtemocmorisco3493]

In Mexico David is highly respected for his Kingship and for his honor that is well regarded among our people. I sometimes feel that David would've loved us as his children because we are like his adopted children and no one forgets a great King. Beautiful video👍

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@dakathulatris728]

I could hear you talk about this sculpture all day! Thank you for your work!

[@danieldrkness7489]

MIND BLOWING STUFF , IM GOING TO TELL EVERYONE EVERYTHING IVE LEARNT FROM THIS CHANNEL!!!!!!!!

[@QuentinSkalawag]

I was thinking the same thing. Like 'god, I will sound so smart next time I see my friends.'

[@GoShiggyGo]

Can't believe the Statue of David is 17 feet!!! 5.17 meters!!!!

[@lilpp4791]

This channel deserves millions of subscribers

[@micheltibon6552]

The moment 13:36 you mentioned ´Statues have power beyond their initial reading´ I immediately had to think about the rewriting of history which is still going on in our world and even in my country the Netherlands. And then you confirmed it by showing us the toppling statue. Your video is truly great. I think iconoclasm should also be worthy of a video.

[@KK-cb1eb]

I think you missed the point entirely. Not all statues are equal, THIS is a work of art. Some of the statues around the World being toppled aren't works of art at all, they're meant to send a message. And so they will continue to come down and with good reason

[@ulyssesshubeilat]

I've seen this beautiful sculpture once and it was mind blowing

[@kristinem75]

I'd be in deep awe if I ever see this statue in person. I'd probably cry.

[@flamingaish]

I agree!

[@zackkarma7760]

Me too

[@DanReinfoma]

I’ve seen it and you’re right, you’ll be in awe. Words can’t do it justice.

[@leeirwin4851]

This guy was a genius. When i think of how much work and most of all patience had to be called upon to complete such a work makes me wonder if such men were really men at all. I ask myself how many people do i know that would be capable of producing such a feat, the answer is none. It would make more sense to my mind if he was not of thi world 🤣. I know it sounds crazy but i know not one that would be skilled and patient enough to complete such a task. Amazing is so many ways. I wish i was a billionaire ...........I would buy one of his unfinished works. The rest are priceless

[@GreatArtExplained]

Yes he truly was a genius - thanks for watching Lee - and for the comment!

[@almahperditae]

Some scholars believe he was autistic. All the signs point to that.

[@michelmontaigne8519]

Truly, what a wonderful piece of art, made by a genius with an extraordinary work-ethic. This video has has taught me something new, is well researched and opend my eyes to this work. I kindly ask you to produce more of these and would definately recommend them for schools. Thanks!