How Did Donatello Contribute To The Renaissance Era

Donatello is known throughout history for several reasons, that of a character from the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” franchise being named after him, to being one of the most renowned artist/sculptor of his time, to what he contributed to the Renaissance Era.

Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi, who is formally known to today and was nicknamed as Donatello by friends and family, was born in 1386 in Florence, Italy. Donatello was the son of Niccolo di Betto Bardi, his father being an active member of the Florentine Wool Combers Guild, allowing Donatello to work and participate in the line of trades, being a son of a craftsman. Donatello had obtained his education at the home of the Martellis, whom were financially successful and influential Florentine
The sculpture had followed a distinct pattern also known as Gothic style, with its long graceful lines and expressionless face, which turned out to be very popular at that time. Gothic style was a Medieval style of art that was developed in Northern France out of the Romanesque art in the 12th century. The sculptures original purpose was to remain in the cathedral, however it would later be placed in the Palazzo Vecchio or town hall, which would symbolize a defiance of authority to Florentines, who were in not the best of terms with the king of Naples. Bit by bit Donatello’s work was being recognized, with each recognition earning him a better position in the Italian art world. Fast forwarding to the year 1411, Donatello had actually sculpted a marble figure called St Mark placed in Orsanmichele Church but once again serving as a representation of Florence’s powerful craft. Then again in 1415 he created the marble statue of a seated St. John the Evangelist for a cathedral in Florence. Each depicting his Gothic style and a classical technique as