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Donatello Art

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Short Biography profile and facts about the life of the Sculptor Donatello
The following biography information provides basic facts and information about the life and history of Donatello a famous Medieval character of the Middle Ages:
Nationality: Italian
Also Known as : Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi
Lifespan: 1386 - 1466
Date of Birth: He was born in 1386, the exact date of birth is unknown
Family connections : He was the son of Nicolo di Betto Bardi, a wool merchant in Florence
Career: Donatello was apprentice to Ghiberti in Florence
One of his patrons was Cosimo de Medici.
Date of Death: Donatello died on December 13, 1466
Accomplishments or why Donatello was famous: Italian sculptor of the early Renaissance period. The …show more content…

During that period he carved several prophets for the Florentine Campanile, including the Zuccone (Baldhead), a vibrant characterization. In 1430-32, he went to Rome with Brunelleschi and became one of the first Renaissance artists interested in ancient monuments. Reflections of classical putti (male infants) can be found in his rendering of the lively cherubs in the Singing Gallery (1433-38, cathedral mus.) and in the pulpit at Prato. Classical influence is also evident in his bronze David (c.1432, Bargello), one of the earliest freestanding nude figures of the Renaissance. In demand throughout Italy, Donatello was invited to Padua in 1443, where he stayed for 10 years as the head of an enormous workshop. He designed the equestrian statue of Gattamelata (1447-53) and the high altar for Sant' Antonio (1446-50). Upon his return to Florence, he carved the acutely expressive Magdalen (c.1460?, baptistery), which was greatly damaged by the flood of 1966. In his last years he worked on the pulpits of San Lorenzo, creating a magnificent series of reliefs. He was one of the most influential painters and sculptors of his time. Most of his works have remained in Florence, but a good representation can be seen in London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Two examples of his work can be found in American collections, an unfinished David (National Gall. of Art, Washington, D.C.) and the Shaw Madonna (Boston

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