Even the strongest of figures can be crippled by ankle woes.
According to researchers at Italy’s National Research Council and the University of Florence, Michelangelo’s masterpiece David is in danger or collapsing due to tiny cracks in his ankles.
Researchers said the tiny deformities could cause a serious problem for the statue’s long-term stability.
“Micro-fractures are visible in the left ankle and the carved tree stump (that bears part of the statue’s weight), threatening the stability of the sculpture,” researchers said in a statement.
The statue, which was originally carved from a single block of marble in 1504, recently underwent restoration work in 2011 to remove grime and sulphate deposits. The tiny cracks in David’s ankles were discovered during the restoration process, and experts say they could cause the masterpiece to collapse.
The work of art has been on display inside of Florence’s Accademia Gallery since 1873, but the latest news about David’s ankles has some demanding that the priceless piece be moved to a safer location to protect against the possibility of earthquakes or ground vibrations.
Dr. Silverman comments
Even though I’ve been told by more than a few patients that I rock at foot surgery, I don’t think I’d be able to fix the microfractures in David’s ankles. It will be interesting to see how Italian art officials go about solving the problem. Moving David to an earthquake-proof exhibit would protect against future damage, but moving a 500-year-old piece or marble will be no easy task.
Much like when I recommend surgery for those with chronic ankle instability, moving David to a more secure location will not directly address the root of the problem – his ankles. The problem isn’t going to get better unless a specialist is brought in to treat his ankles. Unfortunately this is a job for a stone restoration specialist, not an orthopedic surgeon. David should be able to stand for hundreds if not thousands of years if the stone specialist can strengthen the base.
If the procedure fails, David may be stuck between himself and a hard place.
Related source: Huffington Post