May 11: The Perfect Man

After a walk toward the Uffizi and Pizza della Signoria, where the David (now a copy and the photo I include here) was placed as a symbol of Florentine resilience and quiet strength, we went to the Accademia. This is where the original David stands in all its perfection. I don’t know what other word to use. “Perfect” is not a word I would use regularly as an adjective for anything – and yet this seems perfect to me.

The experience of viewing the David is simply profound; I don’t know how else to describe it. There is now an amazing photo in the exit area of the Accademia – blown up to 8’ x 6,’ of visitors – about 20 of them – at the Accademia – looking up. We do not see what they are looking at. But, we know, by the expression on their faces and the experience we have just had – they are looking, in awe, every one of them, ages 8 – 80, at the David. Some have their mouths open. Some stand reverently with hands together. Some have their hands on their hips, almost shaking their heads in disbelief. But all are moved by the experience of an amazingly good-looking dude from 500 years ago. It is mind-boggling that, after all this time, we still collectively recognize the beauty of the human form in this way and they myth it carries for us. Looking at the David AND seeing the faces of others looking at the David is a religious goose bump experience for me.