Donatello

Donatello is born

Jan 1, 1386

Though the date is not exact, Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi was born in Florence, Italy sometime in 1386. He was given the nickname "Donatello" at a young age.

Donatello's Lifespan

Period: Jan 1, 1386 to Dec 12, 1466

Apprenticed under Lorenzo Ghiberti

Jan 1, 1403

Since Donatello's father was educated, Donatello was placed on a life path towards a trade, which in this case was metallurgy. Lorenzo Ghiberti, who was a Florentine sculptor and metalsmith, soon apprenticed Donatello.

Donatello and Brunelleschi traveled to Rome to study classical art

Jan 1, 1407

Donatello and Brunelleschi set up to study classical art in Rome. It is said that they gained valuable knowledge, giving Donatello a deeper fathom of ornamentation and classic forms.

Donatello's marble "David"

Jan 1, 1408

After returning from Rome, Donatello finished his marble sculpture of "David". "David" follows Gothic style, with graceful lines and no facial expressions, and is very well executed. The scupture was set up in the Palazzo Vecchio of Florence.

Donatello's "St, Mark"

Jan 1, 1413

Donatello completed this work in his early career. "St. Mark" is the transition point for Donatello from Gothic style to a new classical time.

Donatello's "St.John the Evangelist"

Jan 1, 1415

This work was another transition point from Gothic style to classical for Donatello. Standing tall at 210 centimeters, this figure remains as one of Donatello's more renowned works.

Donatello's "St.George"

Jan 1, 1417

This figure proved Donatello's reputation for innovation and extraordinary skill at the end of his third decade. This larger than life statue is emotional and dramatic. The early stages of Donatello's revolutionary art age.

Donatello's partnership with Michelozzo

Jan 1, 1425

Donatello strikes up a partnership with architect and sculptor Michelozzo, where the two later on traveled to Rome to study the ruins.

Donatello travels to Rome with Michalozzo

Jan 1, 1429

While in Rome, the duo studied famous burial chambers which would late pr influence Donatello to form his own influential style of burial chambers.

Donatello's bronze "David"

Jan 1, 1430

Bronze "David" is practically Donatello's most famous work of art. This revolutionary statue was commissioned and was the first naked statute of the Renaissance, although that would soon change after this statue was finished.

Donatello's "Annunciation"

Jan 1, 1435

Donatello's professional success continued unabated throughout his middle years, which were punctuated with such an illustrious work as Annunciation.

Donatello's "Gattamelata"

Jan 1, 1453

One of Donatello's most renowned works, "Gattamelata" was the first equestrian statue of the Renaissance since the time of the Romans.

Donatello's "Magdalene Penitent"

Jan 1, 1457

Made entirely of wood, this 6-foot statue was made in Donatello's later life, when his work was much more emotional and haggard looking than earlier in his life.

Donatello's "Judith and Holofernes"

Jan 1, 1460

This fascinating statue was made in Donatello's ending years and was commissioned by his dear friend Cosimo de Medici. It was placed in the royal family's gardens.

Donatello dies

Dec 12, 1466

Donatello dies of unknown causes on December 12, 1466 in Florence, Italy. He was buried in the Basilica of San Lorenzo.