Michelangelo Week in Florence

Some of Italy’s most iconic artworks are by the great artist Michelangelo, whose home was Florence. It is fitting that his native city would host an annual celebration of the master painter and sculptor: Settimana Michelangiolesca (Michelangelo Week), ending July 21, 2016.

Those visiting the Renaissance city during this celebration have the opportunity to explore the life and history of the talented artist through events and exhibitions. One of the more visually impactful elements is the “tattoed” replica of the statue of David, one of Florence’s (and all of Italy’s) greatest national art treasures. The sculpture of the young man poised to overthrow Goliath has come to represent the best of Renaissance art. This week, artists replicated the work in pieces shown around the city.

Graffitied David. Photo courtesy of http://firenze.repubblica.it/.
Graffitied David. Photo courtesy of http://firenze.repubblica.it/.

Beyond the sculptural replicas, a multimedia installation depicts a reenactment of the artist’s body being stolen from Rome and smuggled back to Florence after his death.  A 40-ton block of Carrara marble sits in Piazza della Signoria  – it is the same size and shape that Michelangelo used to create David.

Marble the same size Michelangelo used during the creation of David. Photo courtesy of http://firenze.repubblica.it/.
Marble the same size Michelangelo used during the creation of David. Photo courtesy of http://firenze.repubblica.it/.

This year’s festival features a one of a kind piece to bring a message to the public. Located in the Piazza della Repubblica, a Black David lies on it’s side to honor those lost during the attacks in Nice and to symbolize the suffering caused by terror and violence worldwide.

A replicated David covered in black lies down to symbolize grief and violence. Photo courtesy of ansa.it.
A replicated David covered in black lies down to symbolize grief and violence. Photo courtesy of ansa.it.
A symbol of the horror brought on by terrorism and violence, the David covered in black. Photo courtesy of ansa.it.
A symbol of the horror brought on by terrorism and violence, the David covered in black. Photo courtesy of ansa.it.
Michelangelo was known as a proud and loyal Florentine, going as far to even sign his Pieta in Rome “Michelangelo Buonarroti of Florence made this”. With a mixture of old and new, the festival brings audiences closer to the grandeur and skill put into the art we have all come to love and appreciate. The week long festival, from July 14th to July 21st,  honors Michelangelo’s heritage and dedication to his countrymen.
-Ashley Curtis
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