Question

which sculptor created a statue of David-the first of its kind since classical times-as a symbol of Florentine courage againt tyrants and a celebration of man

Answer 1

It was the famous sculptor Michelangelo who created a statue of David, which was a symbol of Florentine courage against tyrants and a celebration of
man, since this was during the Renaissance--when the art world became more focussed on humanity and individualism than the Church. 

Answer 2

David was created by Italian early Renaissance sculptor Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi, better known as Donatello. In 1408, Donatello was commissioned by the operai of the cathedral of Florence. The young David was seen as an effective political symbol and religious hero.