- jwagner
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
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Editor Pick
Home of David
- December 15, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
manlalakbay from davao, Philippines
When in Florence, one of the definite things to do is see Michaelangelo's David in the Academia. That is definitely what we did after we finally had our lunch -- to search for the Academia.
We finally found it and had around two hours left to go around the Museum. We were greeted by numerous paintings from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Most of the paintings depicted Bible stories, especially about Jesus and Mary.
But of course, the highlight of the entire Musuem was the majestic sculpture of David. When I finally saw it, I could not help but feel overwhelmed by the idea that something I have only seen in books and movies finally comes to 'life' right in front of me.
I was finally able to see for myself why Michaelangelo was considered a master. The details of David's perfect anatomy makes one wonder if he was truly carved out of hard marble or sculpted out of clay. The mastery of the muscles and the nerves was so overwhelmingly good. His eyes stared as if angry and ready to fight.
Many other sculptures from Michaelangelo's time was displayed. While David was definitely breathtaking, the other works weren't something to be scoffed at either.
For those who want a trip down history or to see fine art work, a visit to the Academia is a must!
From journal A Day and a Half in Florence
Galleria dell'Accademia
- December 12, 2008
- Rated 3 of 5 by
Lindy27 from Manhattan, Kansas
This is the museum where the David is displayed. Other than the David there are a few statues also done by Michelangelo. The museum was packed while we were there, and pictures were not allowed. While I enjoyed the David I don't think it lived up to all the hype and was just too busy to be enjoyable. I would recommend it if you are a huge Michangelo fan but if not there are many other museums in Florence.
From journal Florence and Orvieto, Italy
Editor Pick
Fame Out of all Proportion to its Worth...
The Galleria dell’Accademia is well on the tourist trail. It houses possibly the most famous sculpture in the world, ‘David’, fashioned by the then 29-year-old Michelangelo Buonarroti.
I found that not having pre-booked was not an issue when I visited the Accademia. To be honest, I didn’t think there was an awful lot there for your €6.50. Michelangelo’s ‘David’ is of course the star attraction, a huge block of a man. It towers to the roof of the gallery, over five metres tall. But… and here’s where I can get into trouble… while I can recognise that this massive sculpture is of course a masterpiece, with such well-defined musculature and veinage, I have to say… it really isn’t all that. I sat staring at it, trying to work out what was wrong. David’s head seems all out of proportion. More than that, his hands are truly gigantic. All I ask is, look at his right hand. If he were to straighten his fingers and bend the hand back at the wrist he would be able to touch his own elbow. His thumb is roughly the same size as his, ahem, manhood. (Mind you, from the graffiti inside the toilet cubicle downstairs, some men obviously find that look attractive!)
I actually preferred Michelangelo’s unfinished ‘Prisoners’. These are partially carved blocks of marble, with half-formed figures seemingly clawing their way out. A face here, a shoulder there, here a thigh. It made the whole process of sculpture seem more organic, like each block has a form it wants to attain, and it is up to the artist to release it. Weird – I found the unfinished and discarded works spoke to me more than the acknowledged pinnacle of the sculpter’s art. But then, I’ve always been contrary.
The other rooms in the Galleria contain only plaster models, some Russian icons, and a few ho-hum gothic paintings – nothing to detain you. €6.50 is hence a lot to pay for not very much. And to be honest you can see a perfectly decent copy of David in its origoinal setting outside the Palazzo Vecchio, where the original once stood, for free. What more can be gained by seeing the ‘original’? I don’t know, other than to tick a box. The Prisoners are quite affecting, but on the whole my view is that you miss out on not very much by not paying a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia.
From journal Florence, Birth-Place of the Renaissance
Accademia
Home of Michelangelo's David, also has a few rooms with paintings that should not be skipped over. As you walk into the main room where you find David, don't hurry by the lined hallway with the unfinished "Prisoners" Sculpture, this is really interesting to see works "in progress." And of course, David is amazing. Beyond that there is an interesting roomful of plaster casts and some more paintings. All in all I was happy to see that there was more in the museum than just David.
Admission is €9.50.
From journal Florence - I'm Forever a Fan!
Galleria del'Accademia (David)
- January 3, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Glamazon22 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
You cannot visit Florence and not see the David. Honestly, perfect in my opinion, Michelangelo's careful precision and attention to detail is clear on this piece of work. To see how someone could have sculpted such perfection into a big hunk of marble is astounding!
Other great things here at the Academia is a small but interesting collection of Stradivarius String Instruments, a great find for myself being that I am violinist myself.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15am to 4:50pm. Closed Monday, New Year’s Day, May 1st, and Christmas Day. Full price: €6,50.
From journal Firenze Frenzy