Skip to main content

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

619,853 Views

11,680 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

We typically experience classic works of art in a museum, stripped of their original contexts, but that serene setting can belie a tumultuous history. Take Michelangelo's statue of David: devised as a religious symbol, adopted as a political emblem, and later iconized for its aesthetic beauty. James Earle walks us through the statue's journey, to show how art gains layers of meaning over time.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator James Earle
  • Director Avi Ofer
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Narrator Pen-Pen Chen

More from The Artist's Palette