Forgive me, but I am about to take you to art school. Today’s class concerns Michelangelo’s sculpture of David from the biblical story of David and Goliath.

The "David" was sculpted from white marble around the year 1500 by Michelangelo Buonarotti. I recently had the honor of seeing the "David" in Florence, Italy last week. I took some good photos, but they do not compare to the real thing.

So what is the big deal with this statue? Aside from being stunningly beautiful, it is widely considered one of the greatest masterpieces of sculpture in the world.

In words, the mastery of the "David" is best described by Michelangelo’s biographer Giorgio Vasari.

“The grace of this figure and the serenity of its pose have never been surpassed, nor have the feet, the hands and the head, whose harmonious proportions and loveliness are in keeping with the rest,” Vasari said. “To be sure, anyone who has seen Michelangelo's 'David' has no need to see anything else by any other sculptor, living or dead."

Considering all the sculptors in Italian and European history, that is quite a compliment. Vasari is right — the detail and serenity of the sculpture is truly amazing.

Michelangelo took about two years to complete his masterpiece and started when he was only 26 years old. The sculptor, painter and architect is also known for designing the dome of the St. Peter’s Basilica and for his frescos that adorn the Sistine Chapel.

Fine details are what make Michelangelo’s "David" so impressive. In the figure’s hands, for example, one can see veins and tendons. These features truly bring the sculpture to life.

David’s facial features are also worth pointing out. Michelangelo carves a calm expression with a wrinkled brow, implying both tranquility and strength.

My point is this sculpture is simply breathtaking. If you ever get the chance to visit Italy, seeing the "David" is definitely worth the wait. It is mind boggling to think that one man created such a perfect specimen from a single block of marble.