Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi
80 years old
History
Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi, son of Niccolo di Betto Bardi, was born in Florence, Italy in 1386. Donatello was the nickname given to him by his friends and family. Donatello was educated by a wealthy and influential Florentine family, the Martellis. It was there that Donatello recieved artistic training, metallurgy, and the fabrication of metals from a locally known goldsmith.
In 1407, Donatello and rival artist, Filippo Brunelleschi, became friends and traveled together to Rome where they studied classical art. Donatello was back in Florence by 1408 and that year he completed David, a life-size marble statue pictured below.
Though Donatello did not begin the renaissance art period, he is known as one of the greatest sculptors of his time and all time. Donatello made a huge impact on art by developing techniques that artists still use today. One of his most known techniques is known as the Thin Relief technique. In this technique, the sculpture seems deep but is actually done on a very shallow pane.
This marble sculpture happens to be my favorite work done by Donatello. I think that the use of marble as a medium to craft a beautiful work as such, is absolutely magnificent. The elements of art that I see in this work are focused on form, value, and line.
Penitent Magdalene
Sculpture of Mary Magdalene
1455
Medium: WoodThe Crucifixion
Life-size sculpture depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ
1440
Medium: Bronze
Judith and Holofernes
Sculpture depicting the beheading of Holofernes by Judith
1460
Medium: Bronze