David's Removable Fig Leaf

A plaster cast from the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum -

This fig-leaf was hung on the David on the occasion of visits by royal ladies. It was last used in the time of Queen Mary (1867-1953). According to anecdotal information, on her first encounter with the cast of 'David', Queen Victoria was so shocked by his nudity that a firm suggestion was made that something has to be done. Consequently, the correctly proportioned fig leaf was created and stored in readiness for any visit the Queen might make, for which occasions it was hung on the figure from two strategically implanted hooks.

The item is presently displayed in a case attached to the back of the pedestal on which the David replica stands.

Link, via A London Salamagundi.

Funny enough stuff like this still happens in countries considered educated. Hint!! only few years ago some old statue of justitsia was covered cuz it showed a breast??
so thats one more hit for the only in america crowd,
funny enough in europe we like to adopt new ideeas from
U.S.A. And the U.S seems to adopt 100+ years old european ideeas. Welcome to the 21 century.

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I seem to remember something about an Asian government and a statue of Buddha that makes modesty adjustments seem inconsequential.

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So they drilled holes into the original statue to put in some hooks just so some prudish old royal wouldn't get offended?

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BikerRay, the original statue is still in Florence; the one in the V&A is a replica.