10 Donatello’s Works Worth Knowing

Within the art world, sculpture is one of the most admired disciplines of all time. Undoubtedly, the work of the rock virtuosos has ensured that, not only at the time, but much later, the curious are encouraged to visit the museums just to admire their work. Donatello is one of those figures who has captured the attention of millions. 

What are Donatello’s works and where are they?

Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi was born in Florence, Italy, in 1386. Better known as Donatello, he was one of the leading early Renaissance artists in his country. He worked with various materials and was inspired, above all, by classical antiquity for his works.

His hand made wonderful large sculptures. Hence, he acquired the status of “Father” of the Renaissance. Among his works, there are some that stand out not only for their technical display but also for their fascinating history. Here we will tell you some.

1. Little prophet

It is a sculpture made of white marble in 1407 and, despite not having a monumental size, it is a true marvel. It has a total height of 128 centimeters and is considered one of his earliest works. It is not located outside the cathedral, but in the Museo Dell’Opera del Duomo.

As a curious fact, it should be mentioned that this work is paired with another “Little Prophet” located at the door of the Mandorla of the Basilica Santa María del Fiore (Florence).

2. Saint John the Evangelist

The sculpture of this saint was also sculpted in marble for the ancient facade of the Duomo in Florence and today it is one of Donatello’s works that can be admired in the Museo dell’Opera. It dates from the year 1409 (it was completed 2 years later) and served as an inspiration to Michelangelo for his Moses. The style used in this sculpture is typical of late Gothic Mannerism.

3. David in marble

It was made in the year 1408 and shows this biblical character at the precise moment when he has just defeated the giant Goliath, since his head is at his feet and he still has a stone in the middle of his forehead. The arms of this David are a little longer than normal, but the rest of the details give him a harmonious air that does not clash. It is located in the National Museum of the Bargello in Florence.

4. Saint John the Baptist of Wood

Donatello made this sculpture in 1438 for the chapel of the same name in the Basilica of Santa Maria dei Frai in Venice.  In addition to being very different from other Donatello works, it was strange that one of his works was in Venice, so throughout history its authorship has been questioned. Something that, however, seems to have been confirmed in recent decades.

5. San Marcos

The sculpture of Saint Mark is one of 14 statues about Florence’s protectors of the Arts that were placed outside the city’s Orsanmichele church. It was sculpted between 1411 and 1413 and is 248 centimeters tall. The original is kept inside the building (the one outside is a copy). With a bearded head, a dress tied at the waist, and a serious expression, Marcos appears as an ancient philosopher.

6. Tomb of Cardinal Rainaldo Brancacci

This tomb is another of Donatello’s works that is not found in Florence but in the church of Sant’Angelo a Nilo in Naples (Italy). The work was done in collaboration with the artist Michelozzo between 1426 and 1428, and is one of the most important of the Renaissance in that city. Made of marble and polychrome, the tomb is supported by beautiful caryatids.

7. Putti chandelier holder

Nor is this work of Donatello in Florence, since it is in the Jacquemente-André Museum in Paris. These are two bronze sculptures made between 1434 and 1439. They are two choir angels that were commissioned for the Cathedral of Santa María del Fiore in Florence.

8. Atis-Love

This bronze sculpture made between 1440 and 1443 is in the Bargello Museum in Florence, like other works by the artist. A dark color carving with gold details on the wings, belt and footwear. It represents a child with the appearance of an angel dancing with his arms in the air.

9. Judith and Holofernes

The sculpture of Judith and Holofernes is one of Donatello’s most viewed works. And it is that it is a work made in bronze that is in front of the facade of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, one of the most visited and photographed monuments in the capital of Tuscany.

And curiously, when he made it between 1453 and 1457 it was not intended for this location  but to finish off a fountain. Of course, in the same Plaza de la Signoria.

10. Condottiero Gattamelata

We end this tour of the works of Donatello with this great sculpture that is in the square of the Basilica of San Antonio de Padua. A monument that has become one of the most emblematic equestrian sculptures in the world and a model that has been repeated in many other sculptures of generals, kings or emperors.

These are the 10 works of Donatello that you should see in person, at least once in your life. Remember that going to see the works of this great artist, spread throughout various parts of Italy, is a great excuse to take a trip to the transalpine country.