Donato di Niccolo di Betto

Bardi
(Donatello)
 The greatest Florentine sculptor before
Michelangelo and was the most influential
individual artist of the 15th century in Italy.
 His specialty was more in sculptures and
statuettes than painting.
 Known for his work in bas-relief (a form of
shallow relief sculpture).
 Born: 1386
 Died: December 13, 1466
 Religion: Roman Catholic
 BIOGRAPHY
Early Life
He was the son of a member of the Florentine
Wool Combers Guild. This gave young
Donatello a status as the son of a craftsman
and placed him on a path of working in the
trades. He first received artistic training from a
local goldsmith. Donatello was educated at the
home of the Martellis.
Early Works
By 1408, he completed the life-sized marble
sculpture, David. Rapidly maturing in his art,
Donatello soon began to develop a style all his
own, with figures much more dramatic and
emotional.
 Unique Style
By this time, Donatello was gaining a reputation
for creating imposing figures using innovative
techniques and extraordinary skills.
Final Years
Donatello continued his work taking on
commissions from wealthy patrons of the
arts. He died of unknown causes in Florence
and was buried in the Basilica of San
Lorenzo.
ARTWORKS
TIME CREATED: 1430 - 1440
MATERIAL: Bronze
CURRENT LOCATION: Bargello
National Museum in
Florence
COMMISSIONED BY: Cosimo
de'Medici
SUBJECT: Triumphal moment
of David within the
biblical storyline

David
TIME CREATED: 1413
MATERIAL: Marble
CURRENT LOCATION: Bargello
National Museum in
Florence
COMMISSIONED BY: The Guild
of Florentine Armorers
and Sword-makers
SUBJECT: Protector of the arts
of Florence

Statue of St.
George
TIME CREATED: 1453
MATERIAL: Bronze
CURRENT LOCATION: Piazza
del Santo, Italy
COMMISSIONED BY: Republic
of Venice
SUBJECT: Erasmo da Narni

Equestrian Monument
of Gattamelata