Donatello Flashcards
Subject?
Old Testament Boy Hero David
Subject?
Judith and Holofernes
Subject?
Mary Magdalene
Medium?
Bronze with gilding
Medium?
Bronze
Medium?
Wood.
Use of wood was rare in Renaissance, could be seen as conservative but Donatello realises wood grasps the nature of ascetitism through mortification of the flesh (fasting). Realistic treatment of the flesh.
Location?
In the Medici palace surrounded by a colonnade
Location?
Repositioned from Medici Palace garden to outside the town hall.
Location?
Patron?
Medici Family
Patron?
Cosmio de’ Medici, as a companion to Old Testament Boy Hero David.
Political imagery in domestic setting. (De facto rulers)
Patron?
Baptistry of Florence
Iconography?
Judith was the female emblem of Florence. Promotes military strength in face of impossible opposition (Milan). Judith slaying Holofernes; metaphor for Florence.
Context?
State had to reposition the civic imagery. When the Medici family were ousted from Florence Judith symbolised their expulsion and she was put outside the town hall.
Who was Donatello inspired by?
Classical forms & ideals.
Hellenistic Sculpture; dramatic figural groupings, attenuated bodies in movement, bodies in tension, focus on emotional force.
Athanadoros, Hagesandros and Polydoros of Rhodes.
What does this work convey?
It was initially a fountain. Activated sculpture as water would have been trickling down it and so a visceral sense of blood oozing from neck.
Describe this artwork?
In the round, unprecedented work of veristic naturalism aesthetics.
Contraposto makes her dynamic, like she is alive and suffering, she moves forward. Her hands are in a prayer position but not touching.
Process of repentance is repsented (not the end)
