Final answer:
Michelangelo's David is posed in the contrapposto stance, a technique of sculpting a human figure in a naturalistic pose that has been influenced by ancient Greek sculpture. This pose allows for a dynamic yet balanced representation that was highly regarded for its beauty and harmonious movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Michelangelo's David is in a pose called contrapposto, influenced by the sculpture of the ancient Greeks. This iconic statue demonstrates the classical influence of Greek sculpture, with the subject depicted in a relaxed stance known as contrapposto, where one foot is forward and the opposite arm is raised, suggesting a potential shift of weight. The position of David's body, exhibiting tense readiness combined with the relaxed stance, captures the balance and dynamic potential of a living being, echoing the appreciation of mathematical proportions, and the importance of harmony and beauty prevalent in Greek art and sculpture.
It is important to note that contrapposto is not to be confused with Mannerism, a style which often depicted elongated features and complex, exaggerated poses, or Stylization and Sfumato, which are unrelated to the question about the pose of Michelangelo's David. Therefore, David's pose represents an excellent example of contrapposto, a fundamental aspect in classical sculpture and Renaissance art, revered for its naturalistic representation of the human figure in a relaxed, but poised, state.