David is often interpreted as depicting the biblical hero before his battle with Goliath, capturing a moment of intense focus and determination. However, some art historians argue that the statue represents David after the battle, with a more contemplative expression.
The ambiguity of his expression—whether it reflects calm confidence, tension, or introspection—has sparked debate for centuries.

The block of Carrara marble used to create David was known as “the Giant” (Il Gigante). It had been quarried decades earlier and had been partially worked on by other sculptors, including Agostino di Duccio and Antonio Rossellino, who abandoned it due to its imperfections.
Michelangelo took on the challenge of transforming this flawed, neglected block into a masterpiece. How he visualized and executed such a perfect form from a damaged piece of marble remains a testament to his genius.