He’s one of the most famous men to have never walked this good earth, and now Michelangelo’s David is taking pride of place at the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Okay, so it’s not Dave himself, but it is a colossal five-metre-tall 3D print replica depicting one of the most famous statues ever chiseled from a slab of marble.
Famed for his naked form, Expo visitors will be able to observe David during the entire run of the world’s greatest show, which stretches from Friday 1 October 2021 until Thursday March 31 2022.
His doppelganger was hoisted into place following months of painstaking work by artists and innovators, which included 40 hours of digital scanning of the original 16th-century marble artwork in Florence; the creation of a three-dimensional digital model with a resolution of 146 thousandths of a millimetre; production by one of the world’s largest 3D printers; and hours of finishing touches by hand.
Luigi Di Maio, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said: “Italy and the UAE have long enjoyed a close relationship, based on the solid foundations of shared visions and interests, including innovation and culture.
“As the hosts of the most recent World Expo in Milan, in 2015, Italy recognises the significance of Expo 2020 as an important opportunity for cultural exchange, knowledge sharing and the formation of new and fruitful connections.
“We look forward to welcoming the world to the Italy Pavilion later this year, to enjoy an unprecedented journey through our country’s extraordinary past, present and future.”
Keep your eyes peeled.
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