Donatello

Donatello (1386-1466) was one of the most important sculptors of the Italian Renaissance and
his work remains highly influential in Western sculpture
Donatello was born in Florence, Italy. He began his career as an apprentice in a goldsmith's
workshop, where he learned metalworking. Later, he became an apprentice in the workshop of
sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti, where he worked on the creation of the north door of the Florence
Baptistery.
Donatello's style was innovative in his time. He developed a technique called "rilievo
schiacciato" (flattened bas-relief), which consisted of sculpting figures in relief with a greatly
reduced depth, allowing the works to have a greater level of detail and a more naturalistic
appearance.
Donatello was also noted for his ability to depict movement in his sculptures. Unlike sculptors
of the medieval period, who tended to create rigid, static figures, Donatello created figures that
appeared to be in motion, capturing realistic gestures and expressions.
Among Donatello's most important works are the bronze "David," a nude, muscular figure
depicting the moment when David prepares to confront Goliath; and the "Penitent Maddalena,"

a marble sculpture of a repentant female figure ."