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Head of David after Michelangelo
Head of David after Michelangelo
Head of David after Michelangelo
Head of David after Michelangelo
Head of David after Michelangelo
Head of David after Michelangelo
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Head of David after Michelangelo

  • This full-scale marble head captures the most recognizable face in Renaissance sculpture
  • It was executed by master Florentine artisans with direct access to authoritative plaster casts
  • The contemplative expression embodies the heroic spirit of Michelangelo's biblical David
  • It is one of only two known heads of this exceptional scale and craftsmanship
  • Get complete item description here
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Item No. 32-0836

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Description
Head of David after Michelangelo

Carrara marble

This monumental marble head represents one of the most recognizable faces in Western art, capturing the contemplative expression and heroic spirit of Michelangelo's legendary David. Executed with extraordinary precision, this full-scale reproduction allows one to experience the genius of Renaissance sculpture in intimate proximity, bringing the power and presence of Florence's most celebrated masterpiece to life.

The masterful carving demonstrates exceptional technical skill in its. . .
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Head of David after Michelangelo

Carrara marble

This monumental marble head represents one of the most recognizable faces in Western art, capturing the contemplative expression and heroic spirit of Michelangelo's legendary David. Executed with extraordinary precision, this full-scale reproduction allows one to experience the genius of Renaissance sculpture in intimate proximity, bringing the power and presence of Florence's most celebrated masterpiece to life.

The masterful carving demonstrates exceptional technical skill in its faithful translation of David's iconic features. Each meticulously rendered curl cascades with naturalistic movement, while the penetrating gaze conveys the biblical hero's focused determination before his encounter with Goliath. The sculptor has captured the subtle modeling of the cheekbones, the firm set of the jaw and the concentrated furrow of the brow that epitomize Renaissance ideals of masculine beauty and heroism.

Following the 1847 commission by the Grand Duke of Tuscany for master bronze founder Clemente Papi to create exact plaster casts of Michelangelo's David, numerous reproductions emerged from Florentine workshops with direct access to these authoritative models. The Filli Gallery workshops, who almost certainly created ours in the late 19th century, was renowned for their mastery of Renaissance carving techniques. They produced, and still produce, some of the finest marble reproductions during the late 19th century. These artisans possessed both the technical expertise and intimate knowledge of classical proportions necessary to translate Michelangelo's vision into stone with exacting precision. Today, reproductions made from the original plaster casts are held by major institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Pushkin Museum in Moscow.

Late 19th century

44" high x 36" wide x 27" deep (111.76 x 91.44 x 68.58 cm)

Provenance:
Made in Florentine Workshop
Private collection, United States
Private collection, Brussels
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
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Head of David after Michelangelo
Period: 1816-1918
Origin: Italy
Type: Sculpture
Style: Renaissance
Depth: 27.0 in. (68.58 cm)
Width: 36.0 in. (91.44 cm)
Height: 44.0 in. (111.76 cm)
Head of David after Michelangelo
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Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.