Skip to main content

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

624,249 Views

11,699 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.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

PBS Empires Special: The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance

Lost Battles: Leonardo, Michelangelo, and the Artistic Dual that Defined the Renaissance by Jonathan Jones

Smart History is a website dedicated to the History of Art and has more resources on the Statue of David.

Amor Sciendi is a YouTube channel specializing in Art History.

Next Section »

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