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The many meanings of Michelangelo's Statue of David - James Earle

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We typically experience classic works of art in a museum, stripped of their original contexts, but that serene setting can belie a tumultuous history. Take Michelangelo's statue of David: devised as a religious symbol, adopted as a political emblem, and later iconized for its aesthetic beauty. James Earle walks us through the statue's journey, to show how art gains layers of meaning over time.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

PBS Empires Special: The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance

Lost Battles: Leonardo, Michelangelo, and the Artistic Dual that Defined the Renaissance by Jonathan Jones

Smart History is a website dedicated to the History of Art and has more resources on the Statue of David.

Amor Sciendi is a YouTube channel specializing in Art History.

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Meet The Creators

  • Educator James Earle
  • Director Avi Ofer
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Narrator Pen-Pen Chen

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