Michelangelo's David

Michelangelo's David was unveiled on this date in 1504. It took the sculptor three years to complete his rendition of the Bible's David posing with the slingshot he used to slay Goliath. David's slim stature is belied by the size of the sculpture. Originally called The Giant, David stands 17 feet/5.17 m tall. Over the years, the statue has faced challenges of its own: it was struck by lightning in 1512 and had its arm broken off in 1527 (a new one was made). In 1814, it was covered in wax and some 30 years later the statue had a hydrochloric acid bath, leaving it scratched and porous. And in 1991, a jealous artist smashed the David's toe.

"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."

Michelangelo