Donato (Donatello): Beginnings

Gabriel from Donato's "Annuncation"
(Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence)

Mary from Donato's "Annuncation"
(Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence)

"The sculptor Donato, called by his contemporaries Donatello, was born in Florence in the year 1386. He devoted himself to the arts of design and was not only an excellent sculptor of admirable statuary, but was beside very skillful in works of stucco, well versed in the study of perspective and highly esteemed as an architect. He is acknowledged to be the first who conducted the practice of historical composition, in basso-rilievo [low relief], into the right path.

He was brought up from early childhood in the house of Ruberto Martelli, and by his many good qualities, as well as by his diligence in the study of art secured the affection, not only of Martelli himself, but of his whole family. This master produced many works in his youth, but because they were many, they were not considered to be of any great account. The work which obtained him a name, and caused him to be known for what he really was, was an Annunciation, executed in stone and placed near the altar in the church of Santa Croce in Florence.  The figure of the Virgin is principally displayed, her movements betraying timidity, yet, with great sweetness and most becoming reverence, she turns herself with an exquisite grace towards the angel who is saluting her. This work at such a young age proved his determination to discover and restore that beauty of ancient art which had lain concealed for so many years. 

In this same church Donato executed a crucifix in wood, on which he bestowed extraordinary labour. When the work was completed, believing himself to have produced an admirable thing, he showed it to Filippo di Ser Brunellesco, his most intimate friend, desiring to have his opinion of it. Filippo, who was exceedingly frank, replied, that Donato appeared to him to have placed a clown on the cross, and not a figure resembling that of Jesus Christ, whose person was in all its parts the most perfect form of man that had ever been born. Donato hearing himself censured where he had expected praise, and more hurt than perhaps willing to admit, replied, 'If it were as easy to execute a work as to judge it, my figure would appear to thee to be Christ and not a boor; but take wood and try to make one thyself.'"

And we shall see tomorrow what happened!

To be continued

(Excerpts from "Lives of Seventy of the Most Eminent Paitners, Sculptors and Architects" by Giorgio Vasari.)