Similarities Between Donatello And Michelangelo

When comparing Donatello’s David to Michelangelo’s David, one can see that both of the statues depict the same figure. Donatello’s figure was created 1420s-60s, and Michelangelo’s figure in 1501-04. Observing the material used, there are some similarities, but mostly differences. Donatello used bronze, an expensive material, meaning a patron with wealth must have commissioned him for this. Michelangelo also used bronze for a circlet of leaves on David’s hips, as well as a gilt wreath atop his head. Donatello also used a wax method of casting, this way the figure can be seen from every side—the stance and finish of the work demand it. On the other hand, Michelangelo used marble. This marble was originally an 18 foot high block someone had already started on, which he used to build his David.

Another difference is the scale. The young David is 1.58 meters, while the older David is 5.22 meters. Without further observation, this height difference seems appropriate due to the age difference of the figures. However, observing …show more content…
When Donatello created his David, it was untraditional, even though Donatello seems to be suggesting the status of a hero in ancient modes. Conversely to the grown athletes of Greece, this David is shown as an adolescent boy. He has a soft torso, resembling Ghiberti’s competition panel. Although Donatello was alluding to ancient sources, some saw this as sexually suggestive. Michelangelo’s David is shown nude, though the style is very different from the youthful figure. Michelangelo spent many years studying in Rome, which is reflected in his work of a hellenistic figure with a muscular body. Both artists seem to relate to the ancient times of nude sculptures. Michelangelo, however, portrayed David as active, yet standing in place, calm yet tense at the same time, unlike the emotionally wrought figures show in previous Greek works. Donatello’s work is the first free standing, life sized nude statue since