David, in a whole new light

I just saw the before and after pictures, and the transformation is simply amazing! Job well done!

I thought maybe I was the only one who was much more interested in the other sculptures there than David himself.

Stan, I couldn't agree with you more. I find the assumption that all tourists are interested in only one or two exhibits at any given museum somewhat surprising. When I toured several museums in Italy recently the guides would say things like, "I know you are all here to see (fill in the blank)."

I find the assumption that all tourists are interested in only one or
two exhibits at any given museum somewhat surprising.

I wonder if any serious research or polls have been done about that? I just Googled "famous art at the Accademmia" and there's only one other piece that I've heard of. So I guess I'm only specifically interested in seeing one or two. Having said that, I would likely spend more time there because I'm the type to visit any museum from top to bottom patiently waiting for something to grab my attention. I'm not fussy, the museum may be famous, maybe not, it may be big or it may be small.

and there's only one other piece that I've heard of

you mean you count all the Michelangelo's works at the Accademia as 1 piece?

ah yes lighting on artwork, especially paintings has been a pet peeve of mine from the time i became interested/trained in cinematography and learned to appreciate art as well. it bothers me when i notice reflections and shadows due to lighting or simply, placement. worse for me is the loss of the overall color saturation and density of the dark tones in some particularly badly lit works of art. an example is the antonello da messina's' virgin annunciate' in the palazzo abatellis in palermo. when i visited in 2021 an open window at the same level as the painting cast a prominent reflection on the surface no matter where i stood. an example of good museum-style lighting is for the two caravaggio's at the saint james cathedral in valetta malta. both the 'beheading of saint john' and 'saint jerome writing' are beautifully lit with caravaggio's signature deep blacks and browns clearly visible. at the scrovegni chapel they make every visitor watch a video where they point out the led lighting that changes color temperature as the day progresses. in the cnn article michelangelo's david looks great under the new lighting but i am curious to know if the multiple spotlights are casting multiple shadows and if not i would love to know the lighting designer's technique and process. hope to visit in the summer of '23!

you mean you count all the Michelangelo's works at the Accademia as 1
piece?

aaah, Dario, always looking for ways to be offended. Even though I recognize a song on the radio, doesn't mean I always know its title or who it's by.