Which sculptor created a statue of david – the first of its kind since classical times – as a symbol of florentine courage against tyrants and a celebration of man?

David was created by Italian early Renaissance sculptor Donato di Niccola di Betto Bardi, better known as Donatello. In 1408, Donatello was commissioned by the operai of the cathedral of Florence. The young David was seen as an effective political symbol and religious hero.