“As every visitor to Florence will know, the modest dimensions of David’s “pisello” are a running joke with Italians, and the stuff of irreverent postcards. But, in a paper to be published at the end of this month, two Florentine doctors offer a scientific explanation: the poor chap was shrivelled by the threat of mortal danger. Michelangelo’s intention was to depict David as he confronted Goliath.”