Why Was Donatello Important to the Renaissance?
Donatello was important to the Renaissance movement as he was the first artist to introduce large sculptures. In addition to capturing history, these sculptures influenced the works of future Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo.
Donatello was a Renaissance artist who lived in Florence between 1386 and 1466. He began his career by working with local sculptors, who taught him how to use the Gothic style that was popular at the time. He the first sculptor in the Renaissance period to popularize the use of lifelike sculptures.
Some scholars suggest that he drew his inspiration from the works of ancient artists, although he placed his own stamp on the style he created. In addition to making sculptures that were larger than life, Donatello captured the figure’s expression, spiritualism and psychology.
In addition to producing sculptures of living people, Donatello would receive commissions for sculptures of saints and dead leaders. This included St George, the saint of England. His figures are described as imposing, and one of his greatest works was the bronze statue of David at the Cosimo de’ Medici in Florence. His work later influenced other sculptors, including Michelangelo. It is rare to find any of his work outside Italy, although there are a few at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
