what is the statue of david holding?

"David" by Michelangelo (Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, 1475-1564) is one of the world's most famous sculptures and representative works of the Renaissance. We are accustomed to his appearance. Knowing that his proportions are slightly top-heavy because of the perspective of the viewer. It is also known that David used to be another sculptor Donatello, an unfinished commission (the stone has been idle for more than 30 years). On the contrary, we rarely delve into the simplest question: "What is he holding in his hand?"

The story of David in the Bible is also widely known. According to the Old Testament, David was a young shepherd boy in Israel. When the Philistine army attacked Israel, David's brothers were resisting. When David went to the front to deliver food to the army. Goliath, the giant of the enemy army, was dominating the battle, and when the Israelis could hardly resist, the young David went out to fight and killed Goliath, becoming the hero who saved the Israeli people. Because of this, he became a shepherd boy and gradually received the love of the people, and was adopted as the king of Israel.

From painter to the sculptor, there have been various versions of the description of this story. Most artists describe the image of David killing Goliath by holding a long sword or throwing stones with his bare hands. Not only did he portray David differently (from the skinny shepherd boy to the stalwart warrior), the weapons he used at that time also appeared in many styles (spears, long swords, throwing stones and even bare hands). So, in which version is Michelangelo’s masterpiece performed?

Is David holding a long sword or unarmed? After studying his hand posture and carefully comparing the literature, we can draw conclusions. "Michelangelo's David is loyal to the Old Testament." According to the Old Testament scripture: "David went down the stream, picked up five smooth stones, and put them in the bag. He Ran to Goliath, took a stone from the bag, set it on the sling, and threw it out with all his strength. The stone flew out and broke Goliath's head, and he fell dead!"

The answer is revealed, David's mysterious weapon is a sling called "Fustibal". According to research, David's posture should be holding a long handle in his right hand and a leather stone-throwing bag in his left hand.

Of course, if the sword or spear is used as David's weapon in the artwork, the shape may be more dramatic than the sling. However, Michelangelo’s portrait of David has never been a work that can be compromised. From the expression of David before the expedition, to the focused and confident body language, the mastery of the human body structure will bring the young warrior’s will to defy the power. Present unpretentiously. Thinking about Michelangelo’s famously paranoid personality, being loyal to the biblical records is quite in line with his style.