Before and After essays

Before and After essays Everyone knows the biblical story of David and Goliath; how the young, faith-driven shepherd alone and with only a sling and stone slew the giant Philistine warrior Goliath and brought victory to Israel. Its a tale cherished by Christians and Jews alike and throughout history has been immortalized in all areas of artistry. Probably the most recognizable and praised works representing the story were done in sculpture by the Early Renaissance artist Donatello and the High Renaissance artist Michelangelo (both of which are not to be confused with the fictional, sewer inhabiting, kung fu turtle-teens). However, though both sculptures greatly illustrate their makers mastery of statuary and are considered exquisite images of the biblical hero David, both Michelangelo and Donatellos David are extremely contrast in interpretation. Even at a first glance, it isnt difficult to tell a difference in the statues. Though both depict David as a young and fair looking lad dressed without modesty in his birthday suit, there truly isnt much of a comparison in the overall form and scale of the statues. Donatellos David is a life-sized figure made from smooth and lustrous brass that relies on light reflections to create its muscles. He is petite and appears quite feminine in his vertical contrapasto and long curly hair. That femininity makes the sculpture look like a young child that is more realistic based on the Bible. On the other hand, Michelangelos David is a massive figure (much larger than life-sized) created from raw marble, which leaves no shine and relies on shadow to create its depth and form. Michelangelos David resembles a strong, sturdy, and very masculine young man that has a more diagonal contrapasto implying muscle tension in the figure (perhaps signifying the action to come). Ultimately, Donate llo in his statue ap...