Limited Edition Issue 14 | Page 22

Walking around the Donatello exhibition at the V&A, the thing that struck me most was the extent of the innovation that this prolific sculptor, born at the end of the 14th century, had achieved.

 

As you walk round modern exhibitions, I am always struck by how, as modern artists we seem principally driven to “comment” on Society and its various woes.   When you go and see exhibitions about the Renaissance greats, it is striking that their practice often seems unapologetically driven by establishing a commercial practice (sometimes backed by a rich sponsor), using new and innovative techniques.

 

Born in Florence in 1386, Donatello’s career spanned 60 years and throughout that time he used a wide variety of materials and techniques to create what would become some of the most iconic sculptures of all time. 

 

Donatello: A Man of Many Firsts

A review of Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance

at the Victoria & Albert Museum

Above: Donatello's David

Left: Madonna and Child

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