|
Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi (1386-1466) was born in Florence, Italy during the Early Renaissance. He took an interest in the ideas of humanism and nature and was especially well-versed in ancient art. He was a born sculptor in marble, bronze, and wood. His main influence was Lorenzo Ghiberti (Doors of Paradise). He became a member of his workshop between 1404 and 1407 and created two sculptures using his techniques. David was the first nude sculpture he produced. He was also the first full-size, bronze nude to be cast since Antiquity. Donatello treated David, and other pieces, as a distinct personality - an individual. The mold was broken with David, so to speak, because of his casual, natural disposition. The approach Donatello took with his sculptures made him a favorite of famous patron Cosimo il Vecchio de'Medici.
Donatello's other gifts to art included schiacciato ("flattened out"). This consisted of carving marble reliefs very shallowly. Along with this he used central perspective, and put together The Feast of Herod was born. In this bronze pictorial relief, the scene/room where the Baptist's head is being presented to Herod is shown in the foreground. In addition, three rooms are shown in detail behind it. Schiacciato can also be scene in Ascension, but the carving is much thinner.
Other works by Donatello include St. George, Gattamelata and Mary Magdalin (1454-55), one of his final paintings. Donatello is considered to be a founder of the Renaissance style. He went on to influence many great artists, in particular Andrea Mantegna.
When he [Nanni Grosso, the sculptor] came to die they brought him a rudely made wooden crucifix, and he requested them to take it away, and bring him one by Donatello, saying that if they did not he should die in despair, so much did he despise the sight of ill-made works of his art.
-Giorgio Vasari, Lives of the Painters (1568)
The art of Donatello does not have its origin in nature, but in the studio. He exaggerates to get a lifelike effect. His crying children wear the most horrible grimaces.
-Aristide Maillol, quoted in Cladel, Aristide Maillol (1937)
The Feast of Herod
1425
Baptistery Font, Siena
The Ascension with Christ Giving the Keys to St. Peter
ca. 1425-1430
Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Jeremiah
1427
Cathedral Museum, Florence
The Annunciation
c. 1435
Santa Croce, Florence
David
1444-1446
Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence
Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata
1444-1453
Piazza del Santo, Padua
Magdalene
ca. 1455
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence
|
