<P> In 1991, the foot of the statue was damaged by a man with a hammer . The samples obtained from that incident allowed scientists to determine that the marble used was obtained from the Fantiscritti quarries in Miseglia, the central of three small valleys in Carrara . The marble in question contains many microscopic holes that cause it to deteriorate faster than other marbles . Because of the marble's degradation, from 2003 to 2004 the statue was given its first major cleaning since 1843 . Some experts opposed the use of water to clean the statue, fearing further deterioration . Under the direction of Franca Falleti, senior restorers Monica Eichmann and Cinzia Parnigoni undertook the job of restoring the statue . </P> <P> In 2008, plans were proposed to insulate the statue from the vibration of tourists' footsteps at Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia, to prevent damage to the marble . </P> <P> David has stood on display at Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia since 1873 . In addition to the full - sized replica occupying the spot of the original in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, a bronze version overlooks Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo . The plaster cast of David at the Victoria and Albert Museum has a detachable plaster fig leaf which is displayed nearby . Legend claims that the fig leaf was created in response to Queen Victoria's shock upon first viewing the statue's nudity, and was hung on the figure prior to royal visits, using two strategically placed hooks . In 2010, the Italian government began a campaign to solidify its claim to the iconic marble statue . </P> <P> David has been endlessly reproduced, in plaster and imitation marble fibreglass, signifying an attempt to lend an atmosphere of culture even in some unlikely settings such as beach resorts, gambling casinos and model railroads . </P>

Where is the original statue of david in italy