Final answer:
Michelangelo was chosen in 1504 to sculpt the Biblical hero David from a flawed marble block, intending it for Florence Cathedral's rooftop, but was placed in front of the Palazzo Vecchio due to its exceptional beauty and symbolism of Florentine freedom and ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1504, Michelangelo was commissioned by the Board of Works for the Cathedral of Florence to create a statue of the Biblical hero David, which turned into one of the most exemplary works of Renaissance sculpture. Using a large and previously flawed block of marble, Michelangelo carved the statue that was originally intended to be placed atop the Florence Cathedral. However, due to its striking beauty and the demonstration of Michelangelo’s impressive sculpting mastery, it was decided to place the sculpture in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, the main government building of Florence. Unlike earlier renditions of David by artists such as Donatello and Verrocchio, Michelangelo depicted David before his battle with Goliath, concentrating, with a taut body and intense expression, conveying a psychological depth new to the High Renaissance period. This statue not only showcases Michelangelo's technical skill but also serves as a symbol of Florentine freedom and the city's republican ideals during times of political struggle.