10 Facts About Michelangelo’s David

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8He Is Portrayed Without Goliath

Previous representations of David in Renaissance art portrayed him in conflict with or in victory over his biblical enemy, Goliath. In famous depictions by Donatello (1440) and Verrocchio (1473-75) as well as other artists, David is shown standing, sword in hand, over the severed head of Goliath.

However, Michelangelo’s David stands alone, supposedly in the moments preceding his battle with Goliath. This unprecedented technique inspired later Renaissance artists such as Bernini, who completed a David sans Goliath in 1624.