Adriana Caceres
European Studies
Lowe A
Due: 10/16/14
A Pioneer in an Era of Progression
Donatello is remembered for his lasting impact on art in the renaissance, not only did he revolutionize art in his technics but also in being a pioneer of the concept of art for the sake of art. Donatello had two pieces of work that capture the essence of what renaissance art came to be known as. The first piece is David, a bronze statue of David from the biblical story of David and Goliath. David in this statue is standing completely naked other than his boots, his hat, and Goliath's sword. The second piece is The Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata, made after the death of the famed "condottieri" Erasmo da Narni. This piece portrays Gattamelata on his horse looking down on Padua. Both of these pieces are evidences of the change from the centralized religious ideals of the Middle Ages to the realistic and complex art of the renaissance.
[1: http://www.artble.com/artists/donatello/sculpture/equestrian_statue_of_gattamelata]
Donatello, or Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi, was born in Florence in 1403. He was the son of Niccolo di Betto Bardi who was a member of the Florentine Wool Combers Guild. Because of his father Donatello had a step up in his career, as he was known as the son of a renowned craftsman and trader. Donatello grew up with the Martellis, a family of Florentine bankers and art patrons who happened to also be closely tied to the Medici family. There he received training in how to manipulate different types of metal from a local goldsmith. This training would be essential for his work later in his life. Donatello then went on to become close friends with Brunelleschi and together they traveled to Rome to study art, there...