Donatello

Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi (Donatello)

Early Life

-born in 1386, death date December 12, 1466-lived in Florence, Italy. -son of Niccolo di Betto Bardi, member of elite Wool Combers Guild; craftsmen son -educated at the home of the Martellis, a wealthy and influential family of bankers in Florence. -developed a friendship with Filippo Brunelleschi in 1407 and travelled to Rome to grow interest in classical art. -openly homosexual, but made works of art for the cathedral.

"David" created circa 1430height: 158 cmmade of bronze

The story (biblical): There was a giant Goliath, who challenged the Israelites to send their best warrior to fight, and none would go. There was a small shepard boy, named David, who volunteered and used his slingshot to take down Goliath, and proceeded to cut his head off with his sword. Humanism: This statue represents the courage and power of the biblical hero, David. It focuses on his achievements to defeat Goliath. Individualism: David recieved immense recognition from the Israelites after his defeat. Classicalism: Focused on a biblical story that showed how great courage and strengh is.

MaryMagdalena

created: 1454height: 6 feet, 2 inchesmade of wood

This statue was made to represent Mary Magdalena, a prostitute befriended by Jesus. With mud caked hair, broken teeth, and wrinkled skin, Donatello depicted her not as a beautiful women. The rough edges from the wood also add to the effect. Humanism/Individualism: This statue was made by Donatello to make the viewer view the inner beauty of the soul, not the outer beauty of the body.

Gattamelata

created: 1446-1450height: 11 feet, 2 inchesmade of bronze

Erasmo da Narni, a Venetian Mercenary, died in 1443, and the city of Venice commissioned Donatello to create the first equestrian statue of the man's career. They paid him 1650 gold ducats.Secularism: Focus on a mercenary, who died and needed to be remembered.Naturalism: First equestrian statue of his career. Individualism: Made to remember the great mercenary.