Sculpture

Similar developments were happening in sculpture. Sculptors were looking back to Ancient Greek and Roman Statues for inspiration. Classical Statue: the ancient Greeks and Romans had a realistic style for statues. Reflection of the classical forms that the Renaissance sculptors are said to have taken inspiration from. Michelangelos David is said to be based on the classical figure of Hercules, Greek and Roman God of strength. But note that the story of David and Goliath is a biblical one. Hence, there is a combination of pagan and Christian virtues, a characteristic of the Renaissance. The Statue of Bacchus, also by Michelangelo, was in Greek and roman mythology, the god of vine and wine. Also, the satyr, the small creature behind Bacchus is based on classical mythology. A freestanding statue refers to the ability of walking around the statue, observing the statue from every angle. In the middle Ages, statues were usually sculpted on the wall, and were not freestanding. Renaissance example: perfection of the natural and realistic form. Donatellos David 1460s: bronze, freestanding sculpture, when sculpted it was thought to be the first of its kind in 800 years. Realistic, nude and standing on the head of Goliath. Representing a feminine David with flowers on his hat, log hair and a feminine countenance. Medici family commission. Michelangelos David (1501-1504): more developed, more masculine from, a powerful physical presence. Perfection of the natural and realistic form- in the round and freestanding. Bacchus (1496-97) Discus Thrower: This is a marble statue of a discus thrower. It is life-size and thought to have been a copy of a statue from about 450 b.c by the Greek sculptor Myron. Realistic, life-size, in the nude, marble, in the round- free standing. Medieval statues were mainly religious. In relief, flat up against a wall. No back to them, not in proportion, not realistic or natural and were emotionless.