New exhibition gives glimpse of Michelangelo's universe

Italian artist and art historian Giorgio Vasari (1511-74) published one of Michelangelo's two biographies during the Florentine artist's lifetime. He is also known for writing other artists' biographies.

Although he was criticized for favoring Florentine artists in his writings, most agree that his comments don't exaggerate the status of David in art history.

The original 5-meter-high statue of David is on display at the Gallery of the Academy of Florence. But a reproduction of the same size is now on show at the Bird's Nest Culture Center, at Beijing's National Stadium, the main venue for the 2008 Summer Olympics.