Expert: Rebecca Curran - 9/3/2004

Question
Isn't Michelangelo's statue of David in the Galleria dell'Accademia left-handed? Isn't the sling over David's left shoulder and a rock cupped in his right hand by his side? Does this reflect the 'handedness' of the sculptor? Also, the statue is almost 14 feet tall. Was this to ensure that David towered over his nemesis Goliath, who was approximately(according to the Bible)10 feet tall? My favorite things in Italy were sculptures by Bernini and Michelangelo.
Thanks, Harry

Answer
Hi Harry, I must say that Bernini is also my favorite sculptor. In regards to your question, the statue of David is so large because it's intended placement was atop the roof of the town hall in Florence not infront of it. This explains its strange proportions ( large feet, hands and head) the proportions are of so that when looked at from two or three stories below the hands and head would not look so tiny. Im not sure if Michelangelo is left handed or right. But I do know that when using a sling shot it is held in you left and the ball with your right. This way you can aim where the bell will go with your right arm pulling back the ball (sort of like a bow and arrow).
Hope this answers your question
Rebecca Curran
www.rebeccacurran.ca