Online Assignment- Week 4

1. Why was the Medici family so important in the development of the Renaissance?
Cosimo Medici dug up old lost classical knowledge from the church and brought back these classical ideas. Cosimo Medici partnered with Filippo Brunelleschi to bring back classical architectural designs. Brunelleschi even took on the challenge of engineering the dome of the Florence Cathedral. For a time the Medici family was exiled from Florence along with their business, the Medici bank. The Medici bank helped fund Florence's business and soon all business grounded to a halt, thus the people of Florence demanded his return. Cosimo's return saw him great power and wealth. Thought this wealth he commissioned new types of art never seen by the medieval era.

2. Why was Donatello's David so revolutionary?
This sculpture was very sensual, and was frowned upon. Florence was associated with homosexuality, and was a crime. A freestanding naked sculpture was never created since the classical Roman time.

3. Describe this sculpture in detail.
Donatello's David is a freestanding bronze sculpture standing at 62 inches tall. He is standing on top of the head of Goliath. David is naked apart from boots and a hat. From the boots there is a feather from the right boot running up to David's thigh.