Escultura del condottieri gattamelata biography

Gattamelata would look comfortable in himself, having risen through the ranks of the military, never having been gifted anything such as a monarch might be. The artist carefully planned the overall display and more elements would be added before the sculpture was finally unveilied. A two-sided relief design was added below the main statue, and then a large column would sit below them both, lifting Donatello's design high into the sky.

It was placed outdoors, and could be seen by anyone in the city. Over the time, the city of Padua has collated an impressive selection of cultural gems, with this Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata continuing to be seen as one of the biggest highlights. Scores of tourists flock to the city every year in order to see this Donatello masterpiece, as well as a series of Giotto frescoes which are hosted in a chapel elsewhere in the city.

Escultura del condottieri gattamelata biography: Portraying the condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni

Its proximity to Venice also enables international visitors to fit in a wealth of culture without too much diffculty, encapsulating the best that the North East of Italy has to offer. The monument was commissioned by the Republic of Venice as a memorial to their exceptional former General Commander who had led their troops with great honour and dignity.

It remains in its original location in the Piazza del Santo in Padua, Italy. The soldier passed away inwith this stunning memorial being completed in At that point his influence and legacy were still particularly strong and this sculpture helped that to continue for many generations to come within Padua and more widely the Venice Republic.

Escultura del condottieri gattamelata biography: The first equestrian statue by Donatello

Many artists captured equestrian scenes such as this during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, both as sculptures and oil paintings. Donatello was a versatile sculptor who was able to adapt to different commissions, and this enabled him to retain a high level across his career as well as being able to accept most opportunities that came his way.

Erasmo da Narni, or Gattamelata, sits upon his horse within this bronze sculpture. He looks off into the distance whilst striking a strong, confident expression. He is portrayed more as a human than previous sculptures would have done, though with a strength of character and desire to observe and protect the people of Venice, which at that time was a powerful kingdom.

The same emotions are delivered by his horse, and the two seem very much at ease in each other's company. The horse raises one leg and balances its hoof on an orb, which represents miliary strength. It is also worth noting that although the figure was in his seventies by the time of his death, the artist chose deliberately to portray him in a more youthful and energetic time in his life in order to best serve his legacy.

The sculptor is likely to have researched Gattamelata's life as well as equestrian monuments from the past prior to commencing work on this commission. Erasmo of Narni died in after serving the Republic of Venice with great honour. Although born in Umbria, the Condottiero would pass away in Padua. The emotion on his face is serious.

Donatello portrays Gattamelata as a composed, alert and watchful leader. The depiction of force of character and the reference to the power of real people flows with the Renaissance themes of individualism and humanism. The horse echoes the alert, self-contained and courageous air of the rider. The realistic depiction of its muscular form reveals the Renaissance concern with anatomical study that was later developed in Leonardo da Vinci's studies for the Sforza equestrian monument.

Donatello also conveys Gattamelata's power with symbolism. He commands a powerful horse and both appear ready for battle. The horse's front left hoof rests on an orb, a cannonball, which symbolizes military advances, representing his power of the Venician army. Gattamelata was hired by Venice and made many advances to solidify the "terra" or earth around Venice for the Venician Government.

This statue was raised by his family to honor the General. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker. This is especially escultura del condottieri gattamelata biography and noticeable as Gattamelata was not a head of state. While Gattamelata died in his 70s, Donatello depicts him at the height of his power, further emphasizing his might and abilities. The Equestrian statue of Gattamelata is a sharp departure from earlier, post-Classical equestrian statues, such as the Gothic Bamberg Horseman c.

I n reality, this was probably the intention of Donatello, who was a goldsmith by training and had certainly made many engravings similar to this one. Donatello wanted to create a work that was in every way similar to a commemorative medal image, but of enormous size. He was a skilful military strategist and ended his life in the city of Padua, celebrated and honoured by the Venetian Republic.

The inspiration for this work comes directly from the classical era. Wikimedia Commons Wikidata item.

Escultura del condottieri gattamelata biography: The Equestrian Statue of

Italian condottiero. This article is about the condottiero. For Donatello's equestrian statue, see Gattamelata Donatello. NarniUmbriaPapal States. PaduaVenetian Republic. Biography [ edit ]. Personal life [ edit ]. References [ edit ]. Santarelli, Marco ed. Sitio Instituzionale del Comune di Narni. Municipality of Narni. Archived from the original PDF on December 6,