Donatello Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Donatello - Essay Example Biography: Donatello Italy is world renowned for Renaissance art and Donatello (Florence) is one of the best examples of the same. Besides, his birth was in the year 1386. After formal education, Donatello decided to be a goldsmith and underwent training. Besides, the training at the studio of Lorenzo Ghiberti helped him to realize that his field is art, not the work of a goldsmith. But he did not neglect the work as a goldsmith because it helped him to keep himself away from poverty. His deep interest in Roman architecture, especially the works by Filippo Brunelleschi, gradually attracted him towards sculpture. One can easily identify that both the artists (Donatello and Filippo Brunelleschi) revolutionized the field of sculpture and architecture in the 15th century. Donatello’s relationship with Lorenzo Ghiberti was so helpful to develop his interest in sculpture. For instance, Donatello worked as Lorenzo Ghiberti’s assistant at Florence Baptistery. Kleiner stated tha t â€Å"Donatello was also a pioneer in relief sculpture, the first to incorporate the principles of linear and atmospheric perspective, devices also employed brilliantly by Lorenzo Ghiberti in his Gates of Paradise for the Florence baptistery† (577). Lorenzo Ghiberti’s guidance helped Donatello to be free from the influence of Gothic Mannerism and to develop his own style in sculpture. Gradually, Donatello began to undertake independent works. For instance, Donatello work, bronze David proves his creativity in sculpture. Besides, this work helped Donatello to be famous in the field of sculpture, especially Renaissance sculpture. In the year 1450, Donatello completed another work in Padua, which is known as Gattamelata. This work is in the form of a statue, which deeply influenced the artists in Europe. Later in the year 1453, Donatello returned to his birthplace and began to undertake other works. His later works include St. John the Baptist and Martyrdom of St. Lawre nce. Donatello passed away in the year 1466. His body was buried in a large church in Florence, namely Basilica of San Lorenzo. Britannica Educational Publishing stated that â€Å"A good deal is known about Donatello’s life and career, but little is known about his character and personality, and what is known is not wholly reliable† (31). To be specific, Donatello’s deep interest and passion towards sculpture helped him to be one of the pioneers of early Renaissance in Italian sculpture. Ghiberti’s training helped Donatello to learn the basics of sculpture but he developed his own style in sculpture. For instance, Donatello developed his own style in sculpture, namely relief sculpture. His passion towards sculpture forced him to be in Rome and other places like Siena and Padua. This helped him to lead more about the scope of sculpture in Europe. Besides, Donatello was able to keep himself free from the influence of Gothic style of Mannerism. Within the co ntext of early Renaissance in Italian sculpture, Donatello’s name is most memorable because his sculptures represent the Renaissance spirit of the age. Analysis 1: Equestrian statue of Gattamelata The Equestrian statue of Gattamelata (see appendix-1) is a statue in Bronze by Donatello, which was commissioned in the year 1453. This sculpture, which acts the role of a landmark, is situated in Padua. This sculpture is interconnected with the history of Padua, especially the life history of condottiero Erasmo