Donatello

Master of Early Renaissance Sculpture

Key Sculptures and Works

About Donatello

Donatello (born Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi, c. 1386 – 1466) was an influential Italian sculptor of the Early Renaissance. He is known for his mastery of realism, expressive power, and innovative use of classical forms. His bronze statue of David was the first free-standing nude sculpture since antiquity, a groundbreaking achievement that profoundly influenced subsequent generations of artists. He worked with marble, bronze, and wood, and his reliefs, like the "Feast of Herod," demonstrated remarkable perspectival skill.

Donatello's work can be seen in Florence (including the Duomo and Orsanmichele) and Padua. His influence extended across Europe, shaping the trajectory of Renaissance art.