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

The video explores how the context of an artwork can alter its meaning, using Michelangelo's Statue of David as a case study. Originally intended for a cathedral, David was instead placed in front of Florence's town hall, transforming it from a religious to a political symbol. Today, it resides in a museum, where its artistic and technical aspects are highlighted. The video emphasizes that context can change an artwork's interpretation and significance over time.

What was the original intended location for Michelangelo's Statue of David?

What aspects of the Statue of David were highlighted by its detailed craftsmanship?

How did the meaning of the Statue of David change when it was moved to the Palazzo della Signoria?

What observations can be made about the proportions of David's head and hand?

In what ways does the context of an artwork influence its interpretation?