Study for an arm of the marble David and the figure of the

Michelangelo made this preparatory drawing while working on his monumental David sculpture (1501-04). The sheet shows detailed studies of an arm and hand alongside a smaller complete figure, revealing his detailed planning process. His confident pen strokes capture musculature with anatomical precision.

Such drawings were essential to Michelangelo's sculptural process, allowing him to resolve problems before carving marble. This Renaissance drawing connects directly to one of art history's most famous works. Now at the Louvre in Paris, where it provides rare insight into his working methods.

This study is at the Louvre in Paris. The museum's drawings collection includes important Renaissance works, though fragile drawings are displayed in rotating exhibitions.

Michelangelo made this while planning his famous David sculpture. The arm study helped him understand musculature and proportion before carving the 17-foot marble statue that now stands in Florence's Accademia.

Renaissance artists used drawings to work out compositions before committing to paint or marble. Figure studies like this reveal artistic process and thinking that finished works conceal.

Study for an arm of the marble David and the figure of the bronze David

Where to See It

The Artist

Cite or Embed This Work

More by Michelangelo

St. Anne with Virgin and Child Christ

Madonna and Child

Study to "Battle of Cascina"

Angel with Candlestick

Also at Louvre, Paris

Artemis of Versailles

The Concert: Singer and Theorbo Player

The Combat of Mars and Minerva

Madonna and Sleeping Child with Three Angels

Male nude and arm of bearded man

Various studies

David

Study for the Madonna with the Fruit Bowl

Drapery for a seated figure

Mona Lisa

The Wedding at Cana

The School of Athens

Ecce Homo

Venus of Urbino

Sistine Madonna

The Birth of Venus

About Study for an arm of the marble David and the figure of the bronze David

Own Art Like This