Michelangelo's David at risk of collapse due to micro-fractures
A 2014 study by the Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources of the National Research Council (Igg-Cnr) and the University of Florence, published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage, revealed micro-fractures in the lower portion of both legs of Michelangelo's David, stored at the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence. The cracks, visible in the left ankle and right trunk, threaten the statue's stability. The New York Times magazine recently published a long essay by Sam Anderson, reigniting the alarm. The problem lies in a small design imperfection: the center of gravity of the base is not aligned with that of the figure, putting extra pressure on the ankles. Following the 2014 publication, then-Minister Franceschini urged acceleration of a seismic isolation pedestal project, but no operational plan has been reported. The renewed publicity may revive urgency.
Key facts
- Micro-fractures were found in both legs of Michelangelo's David.
- The study was conducted by Igg-Cnr and the University of Florence.
- Results were published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage.
- Cracks are visible in the left ankle and right trunk.
- The New York Times magazine published an essay by Sam Anderson on the issue.
- The statue's center of gravity is misaligned, stressing the ankles.
- Former Minister Franceschini called for a seismic pedestal project in 2014.
- No operational plan for the pedestal has been reported as of 2016.
Entities
Artists
- Michelangelo
Institutions
- Istituto di geoscienze e georisorse del Consiglio nazionale delle ricerche (Igg-Cnr)
- Università degli Studi di Firenze
- Galleria dell'Accademia
- National Geographic
- New York Times
Locations
- Florence
- Italy