Donatello Biography and Artwork

Donatello, born in Florence around 1386, was an Italian Renaissance artist known for his mastery in sculpture using a range of materials such as marble, bronze, wood, stucco, clay and wax. He learned stone carving from one of the sculptors who worked at the Florence Cathedral around 1400.

His adaptability and resourcefulness would serve as a model for future sculptors interested in exploring new material possibilities. Together with Michelangelo Buonarroti, da Vinci, and Raphael he is credited with creating the predominant styles of the Renaissance.

Donatello’s designs are incredibly diverse ranging from small statues commissioned by wealthy citizens to major public art pieces such as his equestrian statue of Gattamelata. One of his most famous pieces, David consists entirely of bronze which was uncommon at that time when sculptors often used marble instead.

Overall Donatello left an indelible mark on Italian Renaissance art and laid a strong foundation for many future artists to build their work upon.

All Donatello Artwork on Artchive

Artwork Name Year Medium
Zuccone (Statue of the Prophet Habakkuk) 1425
Annunciazione Cavalcanti c.1435; Italy
Crucifixion 1406 - 1408; Italy
Equestrian statue of Gattamelata at Padua 1453; Italy
Judith and Holofernes 1460
Magdalene Penitent 1453 - 1455
Saint George 1415 - 1417 marble
Saint Mark 1411 - 1413; Italy marble
San Giovanni Evangelista 1408 - 1415; Italy
Statue of St. George in Orsanmichele, Florence 1416
Statue of St. John the Baptist in the Duomo di Siena 1457
St John the Baptist 1438 wood
The Feast of Herod 1427 bronze
Virgin and Child with Four Angels c.1456
David 1408 - 1409 Bronze
Virgin And Child Between St. Francis And St. Anthony 1448 Bronze
David c. 1444-46 Bronze
Equestrian monument of Gattamelata 1444-53 Bronze on marble plinth
Feast of Herod c. 1425 Bronze with gilding
Habbakuk ('Lo Zuccone') 1423-26 Marble
Pazzi Madonna c. 1417-18 Marble
St. John 1408-15 Marble
St. Mark 1411-13 Marble
The Cantoria or Singing Gallery 1433-1439 Marble and colored glass
The Entombment of Christ 1449
The Maries at the Sepulchre c. 1460-70 Bronze
The Martyrdom of St. Lawrence 1460-65 Bronze bas-relief
St. George c. 1416-17 Marble
Tabernacle of the Annunciation 1428 - c. 1433
The Penitent Magdalene c. 1453-55 Wood with polychromy and gold
The Prophet Jeremiah 1427 Marble
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