Donato Di Betto Bardi Analysis

Donatello (Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi) was born in Florence, Italy in 1386. His father was Niccolo di Betto Bardi. As a child, Donatello was educated at the home of the Martellis, a wealthy influential family of bankers and patrons, and during this time, he received artistic training from a local goldsmith. Later in 1403, around the age of 17, Donatello apprenticed with Florence metal smith and sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti. A few years later, Donatello assisted Ghiberti to create the bronze doors for the Baptistery of the Florence Cathedral. After working with Ghiberti; Donatello started his career by working with Brunelleschi. The two of them went to Rome and studied classical art. At the end of the trip, Donatello had a deep understanding of ornamentation and classical forms. His association with Brunelleschi influenced him in Gothic styled art. After the trip in 1406, Donatello received his first recorded paycheck as an independent sculptor. 2 years later, he completed the world famous marble sculpture of David. Throughout the years after he completed the David sculpture, he made the Orsanmichele St. Mark in 1413 and St. John the Evangelist in
He created new techniques like the shallow relief technique which is when the sculpture seems deep but is actually done on a very shallow plane. Donatello also was the first to make a bronze sculpture which also branched to new sculpture ideas. He also tried different sculpting techniques and explored different branches of art instead of the gothic style he was used to. Today, many people see Donatello's work as the bridge from classical art to modern art. He is considered as the father of modern art because his sculptures showed realism which really brought them to life. Because of his new innovative techniques and style of art it inspired many artists. From the renaissance to now Donatello's art still inspires and influences