At the high altar stands the perfect man, Michelangelo's colossal statue of David. Like a Renaissance statue of liberty, it represents humankind finally stepping out of medieval darkness and declaring I can do it. Inside the gallery, six unfinished statues, brute bodies fighting with the rock, line the nave leading to David. David's feet are at a level just above the sea of tourists' heads. Round arches and a round dome are architectural halos celebrating the triumph of man.
Ushers collect an offering of admission tickets.
People only whisper. Like soundbite prayer candles, flash attachments pop. The scene is black and white under a sky light. You wouldn't want color. David's white marble body is beyond color.