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Michelangelo's David was originally intended to be placed on the roofline of Florence Cathedral.
Answer: True
Explanation: The statue was originally commissioned as one of a series of statues intended for the roofline of the east end of Florence Cathedral.
The project for the marble David statue was renewed after the Medici family was expelled from Florence.
Answer: True
Explanation: The project for the marble David statue was renewed during a critical period for the Florentine republic, which had recently expelled the Medici family.
The Operai del Duomo were responsible for commissioning sculptures for Florence Cathedral.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Operai del Duomo, or Overseers of the Office of Works, were the officials responsible for commissioning sculptures for Florence Cathedral.
The original plan for Florence Cathedral involved a series of twelve sculptures depicting Old Testament patriarchs.
Answer: True
Explanation: The original plan was to commission a series of twelve large sculptures depicting Old Testament prophets for the cathedral.
The marble block used for David had been previously worked on by Agostino di Duccio and consulted by Leonardo da Vinci.
Answer: True
Explanation: The marble block had been partially worked on by Agostino di Duccio and was later consulted upon by Leonardo da Vinci before Michelangelo received the commission.
Michelangelo was in his late twenties when he began carving the David.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michelangelo was 26 years old when he received the contract and began carving the David statue.
The marble used for David was of the 'bianco ordinario' grade, considered less superior than 'statuario'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The marble used for David was 'bianco ordinario' grade, which is considered less superior than 'statuario' grade.
The plan to place David on the cathedral roofline was abandoned due to practical difficulties in raising the massive sculpture.
Answer: True
Explanation: The plan to place David on the cathedral roofline was abandoned due to the practical difficulties and immense effort required to raise such a massive sculpture to that height.
Analysis of the marble confirmed its origin from the Fantiscritti quarries in Carrara.
Answer: True
Explanation: Analysis of the marble, including samples from the foot, confirmed its origin from the Fantiscritti quarries in Carrara.
The 'il gigante' referred to the massive, partially worked marble block before Michelangelo began sculpting.
Answer: True
Explanation: The term 'il gigante' referred to the massive, partially worked marble block itself, not the finished statue of David.
The 'taroli' cavities found on the marble surface are inherent features of the marble's mineralogical structure.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'taroli' cavities found on the marble surface are inherent features of the marble's mineralogical structure, not signs of deterioration.
The marble block for David lay neglected for about twenty-five years before Michelangelo worked on it.
Answer: True
Explanation: The marble block for David lay neglected for approximately twenty-five years before Michelangelo began working on it.
Andrea Sansovino was consulted about the marble block before Michelangelo received the commission.
Answer: True
Explanation: Andrea Sansovino was one of the prominent artists consulted regarding the massive marble block before Michelangelo secured the commission.
Michelangelo began carving David on September 13, 1501, at the age of 26.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michelangelo began carving David on September 13, 1501, at the age of 26.
The original plan was for David to be one of twelve statues on the cathedral roofline.
Answer: True
Explanation: The original plan was for a series of twelve prophet statues, including David, to be placed along the cathedral roofline.
Between which years was Michelangelo's David created?
Answer: 1501-1504
Explanation: Michelangelo's David was created between the years 1501 and 1504.
Where was Michelangelo's David originally intended to be placed?
Answer: On the roofline of Florence Cathedral
Explanation: The statue was originally intended to be placed on the roofline of Florence Cathedral as part of a series of prophets.
Which group were the officials responsible for commissioning sculptures for Florence Cathedral known as?
Answer: The Operai del Duomo
Explanation: The officials responsible for commissioning sculptures for Florence Cathedral were known as the Operai del Duomo.
What was the original plan for the series of sculptures intended for Florence Cathedral?
Answer: A series of twelve Old Testament prophets for the roofline.
Explanation: The original plan was for a series of twelve Old Testament prophets to be placed along the roofline of Florence Cathedral.
What happened to the marble block intended for David before Michelangelo began working on it?
Answer: It was partially worked, then lay neglected for about 25 years.
Explanation: The marble block was partially worked by Agostino di Duccio and then lay neglected outdoors for approximately twenty-five years before Michelangelo was commissioned.
Which prominent artist was consulted about the massive marble block before Michelangelo received the commission?
Answer: Leonardo da Vinci
Explanation: Leonardo da Vinci was among the prominent artists consulted regarding the massive marble block before Michelangelo was awarded the commission.
At what age did Michelangelo receive the contract to sculpt David?
Answer: 26
Explanation: Michelangelo received the contract to sculpt David at the age of 26.
What grade of marble was used for the David, and why might this be significant?
Answer: Bianco ordinario grade, considered less superior than statuario.
Explanation: The David was sculpted from 'bianco ordinario' grade marble, which is considered less superior than 'statuario' grade, making Michelangelo's achievement even more remarkable.
Why was the original plan to place the 5.17-meter statue on the cathedral roofline abandoned?
Answer: Practical difficulties in raising such a massive sculpture were too great.
Explanation: The plan to place the statue on the cathedral roofline was abandoned due to the immense practical difficulties involved in raising such a massive sculpture to that height.
What does the term 'il gigante' refer to in the context of the David?
Answer: The nickname for the massive, partially worked marble block.
Explanation: The term 'il gigante' referred to the massive, partially worked marble block from which David was carved.
What do the 'taroli' cavities found on the marble surface indicate?
Answer: Inherent features of the marble's mineralogical structure.
Explanation: The 'taroli' cavities are inherent features of the marble's mineralogical structure, not signs of deterioration.
The marble block used for David originated from which quarry?
Answer: Fantiscritti quarry
Explanation: The marble block used for David originated from the Fantiscritti quarry in Carrara.
Which of the following best describes the fate of the marble block before Michelangelo's commission?
Answer: It was partially worked by Agostino di Duccio and then neglected outdoors.
Explanation: Before Michelangelo, the marble block was partially worked by Agostino di Duccio and then lay neglected outdoors for many years.
Michelangelo's David was the first colossal marble statue created during the High Renaissance.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michelangelo's David is considered a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance sculpture, notable for being the first colossal marble statue created during the High Renaissance, setting a precedent for monumental sculpture.
The statue of David stands approximately 5.17 meters (17 feet) tall.
Answer: True
Explanation: The statue of David stands approximately 5.17 meters (17 feet) tall.
Michelangelo notably avoided flat chisels when sculpting the David.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical accounts indicate Michelangelo utilized specialized tools like the 'subbia' and 'gradina,' and notably avoided flat chisels in his work on the David.
Michelangelo's David depicts the hero before the battle, emphasizing psychological tension.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michelangelo's David depicts the hero in anticipation before the battle, emphasizing psychological tension, unlike earlier works showing him victorious with Goliath's severed head.
The contrapposto stance in David conveys a sense of potential energy and imminent movement.
Answer: True
Explanation: The contrapposto stance in David conveys a sense of potential energy and imminent movement, not rigidity and stillness.
The unusually large head and hands of David are often explained by their original intended placement high on the cathedral.
Answer: True
Explanation: The unusually large head and hands of David are often explained as an artistic choice to appear proportionate when viewed from the statue's originally intended high placement on the cathedral.
The tree stump supporting David's right leg has potential symbolic meaning, echoing Lorenzo de'Medici's emblem.
Answer: True
Explanation: The tree stump ('broncone') supporting David's right leg, while structurally functional, also carried symbolic meaning, potentially echoing Lorenzo de'Medici's emblem.
The presence of a foreskin on David's penis contradicts strict Jewish circumcision practices but aligns with Renaissance artistic conventions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The presence of a foreskin on David's penis aligns with Renaissance artistic conventions and classical ideals, prioritizing aesthetics over strict adherence to Jewish circumcision practices.
Renaissance artists often depicted biblical figures with foreskins, prioritizing classical aesthetic ideals over strict adherence to religious customs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Renaissance artists often depicted biblical figures, including David, with foreskins, prioritizing classical aesthetic ideals over strict adherence to religious customs like circumcision.
Michelangelo's David is considered a masterpiece of High Renaissance sculpture.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michelangelo's David is considered a masterpiece of the High Renaissance, not the Late Renaissance.
The statue's nudity was intended to evoke political symbolism and reference classical antiquity.
Answer: True
Explanation: The statue's nudity served as a powerful political metaphor and referenced classical antiquity, rather than evoking shame or modesty.
The 'broncone' or tree stump was added for structural support and also carries symbolic meaning.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'broncone' or tree stump served for structural support but also carried symbolic meaning, potentially echoing Lorenzo de'Medici's emblem.
What is the primary significance of Michelangelo's David in the context of Renaissance sculpture?
Answer: It was the first colossal marble statue created during the High Renaissance and set a precedent for monumental sculpture.
Explanation: Michelangelo's David is significant as the first colossal marble statue of the High Renaissance, establishing a new standard for monumental sculpture.
Which of the following tools did Michelangelo *not* use according to historical accounts of sculpting David?
Answer: Flat chisel
Explanation: Historical accounts suggest Michelangelo notably avoided using flat chisels when sculpting the David, employing specialized tools like the 'subbia' and 'gradina' instead.
How does Michelangelo's depiction of David differ from earlier Renaissance works by Donatello and Verrocchio?
Answer: Michelangelo's David is depicted before the battle, emphasizing psychological tension.
Explanation: Michelangelo's depiction differs by showing David before the battle, focusing on psychological tension, whereas earlier works often showed him after defeating Goliath.
What does the contrapposto stance of Michelangelo's David primarily convey?
Answer: Imminent movement and potential energy
Explanation: The contrapposto stance primarily conveys a sense of imminent movement and potential energy, characteristic of classical Greek sculpture.
What might explain the unusually large hands and head of Michelangelo's David?
Answer: The original intended placement high on the cathedral, viewed from below.
Explanation: The unusually large hands and head are often explained as an artistic choice to appear proportionate when viewed from the statue's originally intended high placement on the cathedral.
What potential symbolic connection exists with the tree stump ('broncone') supporting David's leg?
Answer: It echoed Lorenzo de' Medici's emblem, suggesting renewal.
Explanation: The tree stump ('broncone') potentially symbolized renewal, echoing Lorenzo de'Medici's emblem.
Why might the foreskin detail on David's penis be considered unusual in a strict religious context?
Answer: It implies David was not circumcised, contrary to Jewish practice.
Explanation: The foreskin detail might be considered unusual as it implies David was not circumcised, contrary to strict Jewish practice.
The statue's focused, wary gaze and tense expression suggest David is:
Answer: Sizing up his opponent before the battle.
Explanation: The statue's focused gaze and tense expression suggest David is sizing up his opponent, Goliath, before engaging in battle.
What detail suggests David is prepared for battle, holding his weapon?
Answer: The sling draped over his shoulder.
Explanation: The sling draped over David's shoulder signifies his readiness for battle and his chosen weapon.
The contrapposto pose, exemplified in David, was considered by Renaissance artists to be a hallmark of which artistic tradition?
Answer: Classical Greek sculpture
Explanation: The contrapposto pose was considered by Renaissance artists to be a hallmark of classical Greek sculpture.
What does the detail of the sling draped over David's shoulder signify?
Answer: His readiness and preparation for combat.
Explanation: The sling draped over David's shoulder signifies his readiness and preparation for combat.
The presence of a foreskin on David's penis in the sculpture is explained by the source as:
Answer: Adherence to Renaissance artistic conventions and classical ideals.
Explanation: The foreskin detail is explained by adherence to Renaissance artistic conventions and classical ideals, rather than strict religious observance.
The biblical figure of David symbolized the defense of civil liberties and independence for the Republic of Florence.
Answer: True
Explanation: The biblical figure of David came to represent the defense of civil liberties and independence for the Republic of Florence, symbolizing the city's resilience against threats.
The decision to place David in the Piazza della Signoria was made by a committee of 30 Florentine citizens.
Answer: True
Explanation: The decision to place David in the Piazza della Signoria was made by a committee of 30 Florentine citizens after extensive debate.
Machiavelli interpreted David as a symbol of the Florentine citizen-soldier and self-reliance.
Answer: True
Explanation: Machiavelli interpreted David as a symbol of the Florentine citizen-soldier and the city's capacity for self-defense and self-reliance.
Placing David in the Piazza della Signoria transformed it into a potent political symbol.
Answer: True
Explanation: Placing David in the Piazza della Signoria transformed it into a potent political symbol, representing the defense of civil liberties and Florentine independence.
What did the figure of David come to symbolize for the Republic of Florence?
Answer: The defense of civil liberties and independence
Explanation: For the Republic of Florence, the figure of David symbolized the defense of civil liberties and independence against external threats.
Who made the final decision regarding the placement of the David in the public square?
Answer: A committee of 30 Florentine citizens
Explanation: A committee comprising 30 Florentine citizens, including prominent artists, ultimately decided on the placement of the David in the public square.
How did Machiavelli interpret Michelangelo's David in relation to Florentine identity?
Answer: As a symbol of the citizen-soldier and self-reliance.
Explanation: Machiavelli interpreted David as a symbol of the Florentine citizen-soldier and the republic's capacity for self-reliance.
Placing David in the Piazza della Signoria, the seat of civic government, primarily transformed the statue into what kind of symbol?
Answer: A potent political symbol
Explanation: Placement in the Piazza della Signoria transformed David into a potent political symbol, representing Florentine civic virtues and independence.
What was the primary symbolic meaning of David for the Republic of Florence, according to the source?
Answer: Defense of civil liberties against threats.
Explanation: The primary symbolic meaning of David for the Republic of Florence was the defense of civil liberties against internal and external threats.
How did the placement of David in the Piazza della Signoria enhance its political symbolism?
Answer: It replaced Donatello's 'Judith and Holofernes', another symbol of resistance.
Explanation: Placing David in the Piazza della Signoria enhanced its political symbolism by replacing Donatello's 'Judith and Holofernes,' another symbol of resistance against tyranny.
During the transport of the statue to the Piazza della Signoria, it was moved with some damage from thrown stones.
Answer: True
Explanation: Despite precautions, the statue sustained damage from stones thrown by youths during its transport to the Piazza della Signoria.
The statue was transported to the Piazza della Signoria using a frame rolled on greased logs.
Answer: True
Explanation: The statue was transported using a wooden frame suspended and rolled on fourteen greased logs, not a single cart.
The original 16th-century base of the David statue was lost during its move to the Accademia Gallery in 1873.
Answer: True
Explanation: The original 16th-century base of the David statue was lost during its move to the Accademia Gallery in 1873 when the transport crate was disassembled.
In 1991, the David statue was damaged by a hammer attack on its toe.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1991, the statue was damaged by a hammer attack, which broke off the tip of the second toe of the left foot, not by fire.
Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis is used to assess the stability of the David statue.
Answer: True
Explanation: Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis is among the advanced scientific techniques employed to assess the stability and identify structural issues of the David statue.
Cracks in David's legs are primarily attributed to a slight forward inclination due to foundation issues.
Answer: True
Explanation: Research suggests that cracks in David's legs are primarily attributed to a slight forward inclination of the statue, likely caused by the subsidence and rotation of its foundations over time.
In 2010, the Italian Culture Ministry claimed sole ownership of the David statue, leading to a dispute.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2010, a dispute arose when the Italian Culture Ministry asserted sole ownership of the David statue, challenging claims from the municipality of Florence.
The plaster cast made by Clemente Papi in 1846 was used for creating molds for replicas and testing locations.
Answer: True
Explanation: The plaster cast by Clemente Papi in 1846 served multiple purposes, including creating molds for replicas and testing potential locations for the original statue.
The fig leaf sometimes associated with David replicas was added to cover the statue's nudity for Queen Victoria.
Answer: True
Explanation: A detachable fig leaf was added to a replica of David to cover its nudity, reportedly for Queen Victoria's sensibilities.
Routine maintenance of the David statue involves monthly cleaning with soft brushes and vacuum cleaners.
Answer: False
Explanation: Routine maintenance of the David statue involves cleaning every two months using soft brushes and a vacuum cleaner, not weekly cleaning with abrasive materials.
The 2010 replica installation on Florence Cathedral aimed to show how the statue might have looked in its originally intended high-up position.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2010 replica installation on Florence Cathedral aimed to provide a visual representation of how the statue might have looked in its originally intended high-up position on the cathedral buttress.
The statue was moved to the Galleria dell'Accademia in 1873.
Answer: True
Explanation: The statue was moved to the Galleria dell'Accademia in 1873, not in the 20th century.
What happened during the statue's transport from the workshop to the Piazza della Signoria?
Answer: It was damaged by stones thrown by youths, despite precautions.
Explanation: During transport, the statue was damaged by stones thrown by youths, despite precautions taken to protect it.
How was the colossal statue transported over half a mile to the Piazza della Signoria?
Answer: Suspending it in a frame and rolling it on greased logs.
Explanation: The statue was transported by suspending it in a wooden frame and rolling it on fourteen greased logs over a distance of half a mile.
What significant part of the statue was lost during the 1873 move to the Accademia Gallery?
Answer: The original 16th-century base
Explanation: The original 16th-century base of the statue was lost during its move to the Accademia Gallery in 1873 when the transport crate was disassembled.
Which scientific method is mentioned for assessing the stability and identifying issues with the David statue?
Answer: Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis
Explanation: Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis is a key scientific method used to assess the stability and identify structural issues with the David statue.
What is the proposed primary cause for the cracks found in the statue's legs?
Answer: A slight forward inclination due to foundation issues.
Explanation: The primary proposed cause for the cracks in the statue's legs is a slight forward inclination resulting from foundation subsidence and rotation over time.
What type of conservation challenge did the David face in the 19th century?
Answer: Aggressive cleaning attempts with chemicals
Explanation: In the 19th century, the David faced conservation challenges from aggressive cleaning attempts using chemicals.
The controversy surrounding the 2004 cleaning of the David involved a debate between which two methods?
Answer: Dry cleaning and wet cleaning
Explanation: The 2004 cleaning controversy centered on a debate between dry cleaning and wet cleaning methods for the statue.
What was the core issue in the 2010 dispute over the ownership of the David?
Answer: Whether the municipality or the Culture Ministry owned the artwork.
Explanation: The 2010 dispute centered on whether the municipality of Florence or the Italian Culture Ministry held ownership of the David statue.
What was the purpose of the detachable plaster fig leaf added to replicas of David?
Answer: To cover the statue's nudity for Queen Victoria.
Explanation: The detachable plaster fig leaf was added to replicas to cover the statue's nudity, reportedly for Queen Victoria's sensibilities.
What is the frequency of the routine maintenance performed on the David statue?
Answer: Every two months
Explanation: Routine maintenance on the David statue is performed every two months.
What conservation issue was addressed by the 2004 cleaning of the David?
Answer: Surface degradation and accumulated dirt/beeswax
Explanation: The 2004 cleaning addressed surface degradation and the removal of accumulated dirt and beeswax.
Michelangelo believed that the artist's role was to reveal the ideal form within the marble block.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michelangelo believed that marble contained ideal forms and that the artist's role was to reveal them, influenced by Neo-Platonic philosophy.
Kathleen Weil-Garris Brandt argued that the pedestal for David was significant and innovative in its use of classical forms.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kathleen Weil-Garris Brandt argued that the pedestal for David was significant, representing an innovative use of classical forms that influenced subsequent sculptural installations.
The 'Michelangelo phenomenon' describes the psychological process where individuals develop a stronger sense of self when their partners affirm their ideal selves.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Michelangelo phenomenon' describes the psychological process where individuals develop a stronger sense of self when their partners affirm their ideal selves, drawing a parallel to Michelangelo's artistic philosophy.
Giorgio Vasari considered Michelangelo's David superior to all ancient and modern statues known to him.
Answer: True
Explanation: Giorgio Vasari highly praised Michelangelo's David, considering it superior to all ancient and modern statues he had encountered.
Michelangelo's belief that marble contains ideal forms is influenced by which philosophical school?
Answer: Neo-Platonism
Explanation: Michelangelo's belief in revealing ideal forms within marble was influenced by Neo-Platonism.
According to Kathleen Weil-Garris Brandt, what was significant about the pedestal designed for David?
Answer: It used an antique socle form, influencing subsequent installations.
Explanation: Kathleen Weil-Garris Brandt noted the pedestal's significance in its innovative use of an antique socle form, which influenced later sculptural presentations.
The 'Michelangelo phenomenon' in psychology relates to:
Answer: Developing a stronger sense of self through partner affirmation.
Explanation: The 'Michelangelo phenomenon' relates to the psychological process of developing a stronger sense of self when partners affirm one's ideal self.
Giorgio Vasari's assessment of Michelangelo's David was that it:
Answer: Surpassed all ancient and modern statues known to him.
Explanation: Giorgio Vasari assessed Michelangelo's David as surpassing all ancient and modern statues known to him.