A former Florida school principal who was forced to resign after showing students an image of Michelangelo’s iconic statue of a naked David saw the masterpiece in person Friday in Florence.
Cecilie Hollberg, who runs the Accademia Gallery in Florence, where the David is the star attraction, said Hope Carrasquilla, her husband and two children came straight to the museum just after arriving in the city.
Carrasquilla resigned as principal of Tallahassee Classical School in the Florida city last month after a parent claimed the towering sculpture was pornographic. Other parents have complained that they weren’t told in advance that their children would see the nude figure during a Renaissance lesson.
Welcoming Carrasquilla was a “great pleasure”, said the gallery director.
“I am happy to be able to welcome him and make him discover the beauties of our museum, in addition to showing him the David, a sculpture which, I repeat as I said, has nothing to do with pornography “, said Hollberg in a writing. statement. “It is a masterpiece, it represents a religious symbol of purity and innocence, the victory of good over evil.”
Hollberg added that the nudity of the work “is a clear expression of the Renaissance, which puts the man at the center of attention”.
Michelangelo’s marble sculpture depicts the biblical David, naked, with a slingshot over his shoulder and a rock in his hand, ready to fight Goliath.
A call to Carrasquilla’s cell phone went unanswered.
Hollberg noted that currently more than 50% of gallery visitors come from the United States.
“I am sure that Mrs. Carrasquilla will find here, in Florence, the welcome and the solidarity that she deserves”, added the director.
The Florida school is attended by some 400 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
