I will be going back to Italy at the end of the month and was wondering whether anyone has seen the newly cleaned Michaelangelo's David. I will only be in Florence for a couple of days and can't decide whether it would be worth it to revisit the statue. I missed seeing the Pitti Palace and Bargello Museum the first time around and wasn't sure if I should make time for these two and David again.

I saw David in May and he looked fabulous! My cousin took a picture - not allowed and the guards keep an eye on everyone (they missed her).

Monica

I saw it... only on tv when they finished the restauro and BOY he is GORGEOUS. This year it's the David's 500th anniversary. Worth a visit, for sure.

Yes - gotta go. He looks fantastic and the multimedia viewing kiosk is really cool. The building is a fantastic house for him too. Take one of the walking tour companies that gets you right in front of the massive lines. Worth a few extra bucks to not spend 3 hours waiting in line.

Maybe I should clarify. Has anyone seen David before and then after the restoration? I saw the statue back in 2001, and it was beautiful then. I just wonder whether it looks all that different now. Is there such a difference that it warrants a second look?

Regardless of whether I'd seen him before or after (I have only seen him during restoration), I'd see him every time I go to Florence. He is absolutely gorgeous and he completely took my breath away. It doesn't take that long to pop in and say hi if you have reservations!

Hi KB,

I saw him while he was being cleaned. Major difference between the clean and dirty surfaces.

He glows!

Well worth a short visit to see him again.

I heard on NPR this morning that today is the 500th anniversary of David's unveiling. He looks great for 500!

Yes, he looks great, but also heard on the news he's got bad posture and hammer toes. Apparently he needs to take up pilates (you're never too old to start exercising!)

Have you seen that butt? He doesn't need pilates!

I'm just curious if they've made him more anatomically correct. In other words, he doesn't look Jewish, if you know what I mean.

Thanks for al the kind words - it's good to know that the diet is paying off.

I would point out that whilst I am certainly getting on a bit I am not 500!

I'll be able to see him soon! I'm going to be in Italy for 3 weeks starting on Tuesday!

BC

Hi Patrick
>I'm just curious if they've made him more anatomically correct. In other words, he doesn't look Jewish, if you know what I mean.<

I used to think the same thing. As it turns out, he is anatomically correct.

It seems that back in David's time circumcision meant only the removal of the very tip of the foreskin.

It wasn't until the time of the Greek occupation of Judea, when young men would undergo surgery to make them look Hellenic, that circumcision became the removal of the entire foreskin.

Well, Ira, thanks for clearing up that mystery.

It really is amazing what you can learn on Fodors isn't it?