Chiseled like "The David"

There is art all around the world. Many pieces are famous, some aren’t. Many go unrecognized to the world but are great works of art, while others are historical artifacts that are considered some of the greatest works of all time. Perhaps one of the greatest pieces of art of all time was sculpted from marble by the infamous Michelangelo. David which is also known as “The David” was created in the early 1500’s in Italy. This monstrous piece took nearly three years to complete and stands nearly seventeen feet tall!
This piece depicts a man of flawless virtue, completely naked, staring off into the distance almost in admiration of his surroundings. Michelangelo was ordered by the Duomo of Florence, Italy to construct this masterpiece in honor of David from the Bible. David was the figure who was generally depicted with the head of the slain Goliath. Unlike the previous interpretations of David, this one shows strength and power of man. The detail in David’s face shows readiness, and determination almost as if he was preparing for epic battle. He has perfect form and is shown completely naked, minus the slingshot he carries over his right shoulder. His body stays relaxed while his face tells a different story. This represents the moment between decision and battle, as a moment between conscious choice and conscious action.
The true interpretation of this great work is still unknown because many believe it is David contemplating over his victory as he rethinks the battle he has just endured. Regardless, the pure and utter size of the statue represents power. The head and hands are larger compared to regular proportions of the body to accent these areas well. This is because originally the David was to stand on the roof of the Cathedral in Florence to shy away invaders and enemies. The power of the statue was a direct representation of the power of Italy.
Today there are many versions and copies that are given the title David but the original masterpiece is the only one referenced to as The David. It was removed from the piazza, its original location, to protect if from harm and is now kept in the Academia Gallery in Florence. There was a replica placed in the original location in 1910 so that original meaning never fully fades away.
I chose this piece, because I was thinking of art, and an old joke came back to me. My best friend was joking around one day and said that he was chiseled like The David while I was chiseled like the Buddha. It made me laugh, and reconsolidate the past, but also brought up a work of art that I’ve learned a lot about. I always hear people joking around saying the exact same thing, “I am chiseled like The David.”
We have all been there, all hoped, all dreamed, to hold beauty and power that will never fade away much like this statue holds. It holds the power we thrive for, and although it is interpreted in many different ways, everyone agrees that this seventeen foot tall masterpiece holds outstanding power. One day I will see it, its always an aspiration I’ve had. With so much power, I can only think of one quote by the great Machiavelli, “It is better to be feared then loved.” At one time he was feared, but now Michelangelo’s David is admired all around the world. Art can always hold a stronger meaning then just what it shows.