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Perched nude and contrapposto at the Galleria dellAccademia in Florence, Michelangelos David is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai now have the chance to see a 3D-printed reproduction of the chiseled marble statue, but only from the shoulders up. The replica stands 23 feet tall within the Italian pavilions octagonal two-story gallery, but only diplomats and VIPs will have exclusive access to the pavilions lower floorand unimpeded views of Davids undercarriage.

Italian media is decrying the decision. When the statue was uncovered and seen by the Emiratis, there was enormous embarrassment, an anonymous Italian source told La Repubblica. We even considered putting underpants on him or changing the statue, but it was too late. Art critic Vittorio Sgarbi describes it as an unprecedented, unacceptable, intolerable humiliation made in deference to Islamic tradition. While not stated outright, its believed that artistic director Davide Rampello reckoned with concerns over showing the heroic male nude in front of conservative Emiratis.

Rampello denied the allegations of censorship. According to him, the decision was purely functionalto allow visitors to see David from eye level, a vastly different and more personal perspective than what tourists typically enjoy in Florence. An Emirati tour guide, meanwhile, doesnt seem to mind: We look at nudity as something which shouldnt be displayed but in practice, when it comes to art, I feel people are opening up to it.

The censored David will be on display in the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai until March 31, 2022.

Original post:
Censorship of David Replicas Manhood Stirs Controversy in Dubai - Surface Magazine