Final answer:
Michelangelo's famed statue, The David, was never destroyed; it remains a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. Michelangelo is known for works that rival ancient Greek and Roman sculptures in their realism and psychological depth, a reflection of his unmatched skill with the marble. The confusion could relate to the Italian Wars, where many art pieces met their demise, though not specifically The David or works by Michelangelo.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding who destroyed the 20ft sculpture of the Duke of Milan's father on horseback is not directly linked to specifics around Michelangelo's works. Michelangelo, widely celebrated for masterpieces such as the The David, the Last Judgment, and the design for the Basilica of Saint Peter's, was a Renaissance artist who brought profound depth and realism to sculpture.
Speaking on Michelangelo's crowning achievements, the David stands as a testament to his brilliant skills. This larger-than-life sculpture, carved from a single block of marble, was originally intended for the Florence Cathedral's roofline. However, its stunning beauty prompted a change of location to the front of the Palazzo Vecchio, a decision influenced by a committee that included notable figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli.
While the sculpture of the Duke of Milan's father is not the work of Michelangelo, it is an intriguing piece of historical lore that invites further investigation into the Italian Renaissance and the calamities that befell many artworks during that tumultuous period, including the Italian Wars when many pieces were lost or destroyed.