FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Michelangelo’s sculpture of David drew a large influx of visitors Tuesday following the scandal that led to a Florida school’s decision to force the resignation of its principal over a lesson in which the Renaissance masterpiece was on display.
Many American tourists on spring break or studying abroad posed for selfies in front of the large marble statue, which shows the biblical David, naked and with a sling over his shoulder, ready to do battle with Goliath.
The Galleria dell’Accademia, in Florence, where the sculpture is located, was the scene of discussions between locals and tourists, outraged by the measure.
“It’s part of history,” said Isabele Joles, from Ohio, who is studying French and Italian art. “I don’t understand how someone can say that she is pornographic.”
The Tallahassee Classical School board pressured principal Hope Carrasquilla to resign after a photo of the sculpture was displayed in a 6th grade art class.
Three parents complained that they were not told in advance that a nude would be on display, with one calling the statue, considered a pinnacle of Renaissance art, pornographic. School rules require parents to be notified in advance when “controversial” topics are taught.
In Tallahassee on Monday night, a large crowd turned out for a school board meeting, and the controversy lasted for more than an hour. Some parents and teachers criticized the board and called for the resignation of its president, Barney Bishop, but he refused.
Tallahassee Classical is a charter school, that is, free, but almost independent of the school district. It is sought after by parents who want an alternative curriculum to that of the public schools.
The Florida Department of Education distanced itself from the controversy and the school’s decision.
“The Statue of David has artistic and historical value. Florida encourages the teaching of the classics and classical art, and would not prohibit their use in the classroom,” the department said in a statement. The matter at Tallahassee Classical School is between the school and an employee and is caused by a state rule or law.”
