Principal Who Was Fired in Controversy Over David Statue Visits It Personally

In an intriguing turn of events, a former Florida school principal who was forced to resign after students were shown an image of Michelangelo’s iconic statue of a nude David had the opportunity to view the masterpiece in person on Friday in Florence.

Cecilie Hollberg, the director of the Accademia Gallery in Florence, where the David is the star attraction, expressed her delight in hosting Hope Carrasquilla, her husband, and two children, as they visited the museum immediately upon their arrival in the city.

Carrasquilla stepped down as principal of Tallahassee Classical school in Florida last month following a parent’s claim that the sculpture was pornographic. Other parents also expressed their dissatisfaction over not being informed in advance that their children would be exposed to the nude figure in a lesson focusing on the Renaissance.

Hollberg expressed her immense pleasure in welcoming Carrasquilla and introducing her to the treasures of the museum. She emphasized that Michelangelo’s David is far from being pornographic, but rather a masterpiece symbolizing purity, innocence, and the triumph of good over evil.

Hollberg further explained that the nudity depicted in the sculpture is a distinctive characteristic of the Renaissance, a period that places man at the center of attention.

Michelangelo’s marble sculpture portrays the biblical character David, naked, holding a sling over his shoulder and a rock in his hand, preparing for battle against Goliath.

A call to Carrasquilla’s cell phone went unanswered.

Hollberg highlighted that over 50% of the gallery’s visitors are from the United States, noting that Mrs. Carrasquilla would undoubtedly find the warm welcome and solidarity she deserves in Florence.

The Florida school has an enrollment of approximately 400 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.