David

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Donatello's David

     When comparing Donatello’s David and Bernini’s David, they appear very different in terms of their physicality. For instance, Donatello’s sculpture has a more feminine stance than that of Bernini’s. David stands in a relaxed ‘S’ curve position and is completely nude, except for the hat and boots he is wearing. This sculpture is known as the first unsupported standing work of bronze cast during the Renaissance. This statue is representational of just moments after David has slayed Goliath. David is holding the overly large sword of the giant, while his head rests under David’s foot. Each of these aspects led to a statue of triumph. 

Bernini's David

      Bernini’s statue of David is representational of a much different time during David and Goliath’s battle.  David has yet to take down the giant and is about to throw his sling that will defeat him. It took Bernini 7 months to carve this marble sculpture. This statue of David shows the armor he has shed at his feet, and is also shown nude except for a small cloth around his waist. Bernini’s perception of David is much more masculine, showing the tension and motion of battle. This sort of statue was rare for it’s time, as most statues were shown as frontal positions. Bernini challenged the viewer to examine the statue from its many angles and to see the power behind David’s throw. Bernini’s sculpture of David illustrates the Baroque era though the dramatic pose in which he sculpted the young man. This pose shows the tension and raw quality of the Baroque style.

Source Images:

http://inadvertentlyart.blogspot.ca/2009/11/donatello-took-risks.html 
http://www.3pipe.net/2013/02/why-art-history-bernini-david.html