This is a perfect replica of Michelangelo's David, an Italian Renaissance masterpiece. At the start of the 15th century, the governors of the Cathedral of Florence decided to commission twelve large Old Testament figures to be installed along the edge of the Santa Maria del Fiore's roof. Decades later, it was decided to sculpt the figure of the David and a huge, expensive block of Carrara marble was purchased. After various artists had failed to complete the enormous job, the still rough block lay untouched for 25 years, at the mercy of the elements. Michelangelo, then only twenty-six years old, managed to convince the principals that he could turn it into something. To everyone's surprise, the sculptor was finished after two years of hard work. However, it proved too heavy and vulnerable to be hoisted up to the roof of the Cathedral, weighing six tons. It was therefore decided to place the widely praised masterpiece at the entrance to the Pallazo Vecchio, where the city council met. There it symbolized the defense of the citizens' rights of Florence against the authoritarian city states located nearby. The athletic young man's large head and hands were conspicuous. It is generally assumed that Michelangelo exaggerated thes(more...)