Contrast the statues of David created during the Renaissance by Donatello and Verrocchio with the Baroque David created by Gianlorenzo Bernini. What makes these statues different? say one of these answers Bernini’s piece implies the presence of someone else. Bernini’s David doesn’t portray any pivotal moments in history. The Renaissance statues show a great deal of action. Donatello and Verrocchio focus on the representation of drama over beauty.
Bernini’s Baroque David is characterized by its intense theatricality and dynamic movement, depicting David in the midst of slinging his stone at Goliath. This sense of action and energy is a common feature of Baroque art, which sought to evoke powerful emotions and engage the viewer in an immersive experience.
In contrast, the Renaissance statues of David by Donatello and Verrocchio are more static and idealized representations of the Biblical hero. Donatello’s David, created in the early 15th century, is a youthful and graceful figure standing confidently with his foot on Goliath’s head, while Verrocchio’s David, created in the late 15th century, portrays a more mature and muscular figure holding Goliath’s severed head.
While the Renaissance statues focus on the classical ideals of beauty and proportion, Bernini’s David emphasizes the drama and intensity of the moment, with David’s twisting body and furrowed brow conveying a sense of determination and concentration. Additionally, Bernini’s David is unique in that it includes a sense of someone else being present in the scene, with Goliath’s head turned towards the viewer, creating a sense of immediacy and interaction that is not present in the earlier Renaissance statues.