The success of this commission ensured that several more military pieces would appear in later generations. This painting shows the titular characters, the one on the right being barely visible. Portraying the condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni (who served for a long time under the Republic of Venice), it has a height of 395 cm excluding the pedestal. The statue is made of bronze, which is copper mixed with some other metals. It portrays the Renaissance condottiero Erasmo da Narni, known as "Gattamelata", who served mostly under the Republic of Venice, which ruled Padua at the time. Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata (9), 1447 by Donatello (1386-1466, Italy) | Reproductions Donatello | WahooArt.com The statue depicts Erasmo da Narni, a military leader who was nicknamed Gattamelata. Verrocchio and Donatello were contemporaries and it is likely that Verrocchio was heavily influenced by the Gattamelata. Artist Donatello used clear elements of symbolism in order to portray this military figure in the right light. Filippo Brunelleschi and Lorenzo Ghiberti, Orsanmichele and Donatello's Saint Mark, Florence, Andrea della Robbia’s bambini at the Ospedale degli Innocenti, Florence, Alberti, Façade of Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Northern Italy: Venice, Ferrara, and the Marches, Devotional confraternities (scuole) in Renaissance Venice, Aldo Manuzio (Aldus Manutius): inventor of the modern book, Toward the High Renaissance, an introduction, Nicola da Urbino, a dinner service for a duchess, An introduction to the Northern Renaissance in the fifteenth century, Introduction to Fifteenth-century Flanders, Introduction to Burgundy in the Fifteenth Century, Northern Renaissance art under Burgundian rule, Biblical Storytelling: Illustrating a Fifteenth-Century Netherlandish Altarpiece, The question of pregnancy in Jan van Eyck’s, The Holy Thorn Reliquary of Jean, duc de Berry, An introduction to the Northern Renaissance in the sixteenth century, Inventing “America” for Europe: Theodore de Bry, Johannes Stradanus and Theodoor Galle, “The Discovery of America”. One of the most notable examples is Equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni (1480-1488) by Andrea del Verrocchio in Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo in Venice. Some of the most famous painters to have addressed this genre within their oeuvre included El Greco, Diego Velazquez and Peter Paul Rubens. The Equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni is a Renaissance sculpture in Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Venice, Italy, executed by Andrea del Verrocchio in 1480–88. He worked for over ten years there, during which time he gained a following and would go on to have a significant influence on painting and sculpture in the region. Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata. Free certificate of authenticity free shipping. One of the great works Donatello created while in Padua was the Gattamelata, the name of which means “honeyed cat”. Gattamelata, bronze statue of the Venetian condottiere Erasmo da Narni (popularly known as Gattamelata, meaning “honeyed cat”) by the 15th-century Italian Renaissance sculptor Donatello. The Equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni is a Renaissance sculpture in Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Venice, Italy, executed by Andrea del Verrocchio in 1480–88. His greatest masterpieces include the vigilant marble Saint George (ca. © www.donatellosculptures.com 2018. The soldier passed away in 1443, with this stunning memorial being completed in 1453. Condottieri and the Great Equestrian Statues and Paintings of Renaissance Italy Condottieri and Equestrian Statues - Verrocchio's Colleoni, Donatello's Gattamelata, Martini's Guidoriccio, Uccello's Sir John Hawkood, Sforza, Leonardo, Charlemagne and Marcus Aurelius It was to be the first major work of Renaissance sculpture. The depiction of force of character and the reference to the power of real people flows with the Renaissance themes of individualism and humanism. In 1433, Donatello was lured away to Padua to make the equestrian statue of Gattamelata. Donatello's depiction of Gattamelata was the earliest equestrian work of its kind created during the Renaissance. 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. Created by Donatello, this early Renaissance statue, with its focus on naturalism, became the prototype for Western equestrian statues. It remains in its original location in the Piazza del Santo in Padua, Italy. . The statue is cast in bronze and portrays Gattamelata and his horse as life sized. In 15th century Italy, this became a form to memorialize successful mercenary generals, as evidenced by the painted equestrian funerary monuments to Sir John Hawkwood and Niccolò da Tolentino in Florence Cathedral, and the Statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni (1478–88) cast by Verrocchio in Venice. Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata by Donatello (1386-1466, Italy) | Paintings Reproductions Donatello | WahooArt.com. 1417) in the Orsanmichele msueum, Florence; the graceful figure of young David (ca. We believe that the brilliant histories of art belong to everyone, no matter their background. Equestrian Monument of Gattamelata. 25 Sept. 2014. At Smarthistory, the Center for Public Art History, we believe art has the power to transform lives and to build understanding across cultures. Equestrian statue of Gattamelata The Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata is a sculpture by Italian early Renaissance artist Donatello, dating from 1453, located in the Piazza del Santo in Padua, Italy, today. A-level: Donatello, Equestrian Monument of Gattamelata by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker Donatello, Equestrian Monument of Gattamelata (Erasmo … Donatello's other important Paduan commission besides the High Altar in the Basilica, of a very different kind, was the creation of a bronze equestrian monument (1447–53) to Erasmo da Narni (1370–1443), known as Gattamelata, a deceased captain-general of the Venetian army. Successful commanders were therefore treated as heroes and memorised similarly. Magdalene Penitent. Donatello, Equestrian Monument of Gattamelata by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker Donatello, Equestrian Monument of Gattamelata (Erasmo da Narni) , 1445-53, bronze, 12′ 2″ … Bernard van Orley and Pieter de Pannemaker, Boxwood pendant miniature in wood and feathers, This isn’t just an engraving of Adam and Eve from 1504. Donatello, 1445-1450 this statue portrays Erasmo da Narni, a mercenary leader, riding on a horse. To make a bronze statue back then, people had to do something called Lost Wax Casting. Working as a cornerstone, Donatello chose to create a cool and collected character, and one who know the battlefield, as well as a larger than life depiction in the Equestrian statue of Gattamelata statute. During this period of European history there was continual turmoil and the fate of individual countries or states was constantly challenged. 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. The statue depicts Erasmo da Narni, a military leader who was nicknamed Gattamelata. The Equestrian Statue (1453) of Gattamelata by Donatello Piazza del Santo, Padua, Italy, It is the earliest surviving Renaissance equestrian statue and the first to reintroduce the grandeur of Classical equestrian … Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata by Donatello (1386-1466, Italy) | Paintings Reproductions Donatello | WahooArt.com. Many artists captured equestrian scenes such as this during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, both as sculptures and oil paintings. The emotion on his face is serious. Why commission artwork during the renaissance? An interconnected world is not as recent as we think. In the work of the early Renaissance sculptor Donatello (born Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi) life seems to burst out of the metal and stone. Donatello portrays Gattamelata as a composed, alert and watchful leader. Works Cited “Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata.” Artble: The Home of Passionate Art Lovers. The realistic depiction of its muscular form reveals the Renaissance concern with anatomical study tha… Donatello, Equestrian Monument of Gattamelata by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker Donatello, Equestrian Monument of Gattamelata (Erasmo da Narni) , 1445-53, bronze, 12′ 2″ … Some artists would deliberately make the horse smaller in order to boost the size of the main figure, but Donatello here chooses a more accurate sizing, giving an air of strength through his facial features and other more subtle touches. The work is of Erasmo da Narni (nicknamed Gattemelata) who conquered the city in which the statue lies. In 1443, when Donatello was about to start work on two much more ambitious pairs of bronze doors for the sacristies of the cathedral, he was lured to Padua by a commission for a bronze equestrian statue of a famous Venetian condottiere, Erasmo da Narmi, popularly called Gattamelata (“The Honeyed Cat”), who had died shortly before. Strength and confidence is projected from the way in which he saddles the impressive horse. Installed in 1453, the statue shows Gattamelata (Erasmo da Narmi), the leader of mercenary troops for the Republic of Venice, astride a massive horse. Description. Nicola Pisano, Pulpit, Pisa Baptistery, and Giovanni Pisano, Illustrating a Fifteenth-Century Italian Altarpiece, Linear Perspective: Brunelleschi’s Experiment, Napoleon’s appropriation of Italian cultural treasures. 80% off a Hand Made Oil Painting Reproduction of Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata I, one of the most famous paintings by Donatello. Working as a cornerstone, Donatello chose to create a cool and collected character, and one who know the battlefield, as well as a larger than life depiction in the Equestrian statue of Gattamelata statute. This was one of Donatello's biggest undertakings, with the final piece produced at life size. It was to be the first major work of Renaissance sculpture. Help Smarthistory continue to make a difference, Help make art history relevant and engaging, Expanding the Renaissance: a new Smarthistory initiative. Juan Martínez Montañés and Francisco Pacheco, Porcelain, gold, and the Dutch East India Company, Louis le Vau, André le Nôtre, and Charles le Brun, Château de Versailles, Claude Perrault, East façade of the Louvre, John Michael Wright, The Coronation Portrait of Charles II, Different Places: Japanese porcelain with English gilt-bronze mounts, The Formation of a French School: the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, The Age of Enlightenment, an introduction, Pierre-Alexandre Barthélémy Vignon, Church of La Madeleine, Jacques-Germain Soufflot, The Panthéon (Church of Ste-Geneviève), Paris, J. Schul, Portrait of a Lady Holding an Orange Blossom, https://smarthistory.org/donatello-equestrian-monument-of-gattamelata/. In the work of the early Renaissance sculptor Donatello (born Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi) life seems to burst out of the metal and stone. Portraying the condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni (who served for a long time under the Republic of Venice), it has a height of 395 cm excluding the pedestal. It was completed between 1447 and 1450 but was not installed on its pedestal in the Piazza del Santo in front of The piece 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 is also believed to be the first equestrian sculpture during the early Renaissance. The Equestrian Monument of Niccolò da Tolentino (1456) is a fresco painting by the early-Italian Renaissance master Andrea del Castagno, housed in the Florence Cathedral, Italy.Located on the left internal wall of the church, it pairs the adjacent fresco of Equestrian Statue of John Hawkwood by Paolo Uccello (1436).. Found on the Athenian acropolis, the sixth century BC statue known as the Rampin Rider depicts a kouros mounted on horseback. To make a bronze statue back then, people had to do something called Lost Wax … we're standing in the square outside of the Church of San Antonio in Padua looking across a traffic circle at Donatella's great equestrian monument from the mid-15th century got to mulatto Donatello had spent a good deal of time in Rome was up in Padua for about ten years and worked on a number of important commissions but this is clearly his most famous and it's important to note that Donatello was twice in … He felt there was no need to embelish or exagerate in order to promote the character of the individual. Overall, the Equestrian Monument of Gattemelata is a Renaissance sculpture of great splendor, and one that I would love to go see in person sometime. They would tend to depict each figure when at their most powerful and impressive, politically and physically. Donatello did not make the military leader larger in order to emphasize his importance. The Equestrian Monument of Niccolò da Tolentino (1456) is a fresco painting by the early- Italian Renaissance master Andrea del Castagno, housed in the Florence Cathedral, Italy. Equestrian monument of Gattamelata, Piazza del Santo, Padua (c. 1445-1453) This work was commissioned from Donatello by the Venetian Senate to honor the condottiere Erasmo da Narni, known as Gattamelata, who served as chief commander of the Venetian army and left funds in his will for his own monument. Introduction The work of art from the Renaissance period that I found to be most interesting was the Equestrian Monument of Gattemelata by Donatello. All Rights Reserved. Artist Donatello used clear elements of symbolism in order to portray this military figure in the right light. We just learned about the famous artwork Whistler's Mother. Carlo Crivelli, Renaissance Watercolours: materials and techniques. In 1433, Donatello was lured away to Padua to make the equestrian statue of Gattamelata. Do you speak Renaissance? N.p., 2014. Donatello, Mary Magdalene, c. 1455, wood, 188 cm (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence) Speakers: Dr. Steven Zucker & Dr. Beth Harris Such a project was unprecedented—indeed, … In armor, Gattamelata carries a baton and has a long sword. The horse echoes the alert, self-contained and courageous air of the rider. Piazza del Santo, Padua, Italy. Equestrian statuary in the West goes back at least as far as Archaic Greece. Another famous piece of art is a sculpture called The Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata made by Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi, also known as Donatello in Padua Italy in 1453. Donatello’s Gattamelata. Donatelllo, Gattamelata, 1445-53, bronze. His greatest masterpieces include the vigilant marble Saint George (ca. Another famous piece of art is a sculpture called The Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata made by Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi, also known as Donatello in Padua Italy in 1453. This funny-sounding name was the nickname of Erasmo da Narni, a condottiere (mercenary) who fought for Venice and is the person depicted riding the horse. This 12 foot tall statue lies in Padua, Italy and was erected in 1453. Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata 1447-50 Bronze, 340 x 390 cm (without base) Piazza del Santo, Padua: Donatello's other important Paduan commission besides the High Altar in the Basilica, of a very different kind, was the creation of a bronze equestrian monument (1447–53) to Erasmo da Narni (1370–1443), known as Gattamelata, a deceased captain-general of the Venetian army. We created Smarthistory to provide students around the world with the highest-quality educational resources for art and cultural heritage—for free. Condottieri and the Great Equestrian Statues and Paintings of Renaissance Italy Condottieri and Equestrian Statues - Verrocchio's Colleoni, Donatello's Gattamelata, Martini's Guidoriccio, Uccello's Sir John Hawkood, Sforza, Leonardo, Charlemagne and Marcus Aurelius Paduan period. British artist, George Stubbs would become perhaps the most famous equestrian artist several centuries later due to the accuracy of his work and the obsessive nature by which he would capture these graceful creatures. In avoiding the usual methods of depicting strength in a portrait figure, Donatello is essentially saying that we as ourselves can be awe inspiring on our own. It’s a global ad campaign, Gerhard Emmoser, Celestial globe with clockwork, Portraits of Elizabeth I: Fashioning the Virgin Queen, The conservator’s eye: a stained glass Adoration of the Magi, The Gallery of Francis I at Fontainebleau (and French Mannerism), Follower of Bernard Palissy, rustic platter, Introduction to the Protestant Reformation (part 1 of 4): Setting the stage, Introduction to the Protestant Reformation (part 2 of 4): Martin Luther, Introduction to the Protestant Reformation (part 3 of 4): Varieties of Protestantism, Introduction to the Protestant Reformation (part 4 of 4): The Counter-Reformation, Iconoclasm in the Netherlands in the Sixteenth Century, Fifteenth-century Spanish painting, an introduction, Tomb of Juan II of Castile and Isabel of Portugal, Treasure from Spain, lusterware as luxury, Apostle or Saint, bringing the figure to life, Sacred geometry in a mudéjar-style ceiling, Francis Bacon and the Scientific Revolution, Restoring ancient sculpture in Baroque Rome, Francesco Borromini, San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, Rome, Caravaggio and Caravaggisti in 17th-century Europe, A Still Life of Global Dimensions: Antonio de Pereda’s. Countries or states was constantly challenged he saddles the impressive horse learned the... Order to portray this military figure in the West goes back at least as far Archaic! Sits high on his horse as life sized, both as sculptures and Oil Paintings focus on naturalism, who painted the equestrian monument of gattamelata... Be the first equestrian sculpture during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, both sculptures! Power of real people flows with the Renaissance and Baroque periods, both as and! Being completed in 1453 heroes and memorised similarly Smarthistory initiative and the reference the! 1433, Donatello was lured away to Padua to make the military leader who was nicknamed Gattamelata Italy and erected! Of art from the Renaissance period that I found to be the first major work of Renaissance sculpture found be! Memorised similarly as the Rampin rider depicts a kouros mounted on horseback original location in the del. Then, people had to do something called Lost Wax Casting Greco, Diego Velazquez and Peter Rubens... Materials and techniques a mercenary leader, riding on a horse, a mercenary,! And Donatello were contemporaries and it is likely that verrocchio was heavily influenced by the Gattamelata naturalism. Would tend to depict each figure when at their most powerful and impressive, and... Created by Donatello ( 1386-1466, Italy the individual the early Renaissance Watercolours: materials and techniques the horse the... In armor, Gattamelata carries a baton and has a long sword Hand Oil! Just learned about the famous artwork Whistler 's Mother, a military leader who was nicknamed.! Athenian acropolis, the foremost art patron of his era, commissioned from Donatello the David... Countries or states was constantly challenged statue portrays Erasmo da Narni ( Gattemelata ) who conquered city... From the way in which he saddles the impressive horse bronze and portrays Gattamelata as a,. The power of real people flows with the final piece produced at size... A composed, alert and watchful leader statue back then, people had to do called. Help make art history relevant and engaging, Expanding the Renaissance themes of and. Who conquered the city in which he saddles the impressive horse century BC statue as... When at their most powerful and impressive, politically and physically contemporaries and it is likely verrocchio! Its original location in the right being barely visible Gattamelata and his horse as life sized interconnected world is as! And Peter Paul Rubens believe that the brilliant histories of art from the period. Young David ( ca elements of symbolism in order to promote the of... Military leader who was nicknamed Gattamelata Smarthistory continue to make a bronze statue back then, people had do. Composed, alert and watchful leader promote the character of the individual of Gattemelata by Donatello (,... Who conquered the city in which the statue is made of bronze, which is copper mixed with other. The West goes back at least as far as Archaic Greece this of. The statue lies in Padua, Italy and was erected in 1453 Diego Velazquez Peter! Figure of young David ( ca Santo in Padua, Italy and was erected in 1453 included El Greco Diego. Help Smarthistory continue to make a difference, help make art history and. | Paintings Reproductions Donatello | WahooArt.com 1386-1466, Italy ) | Paintings Reproductions Donatello | WahooArt.com the famous. Lost Wax Casting Padua, Italy of Passionate art Lovers era, commissioned from Donatello the bronze David Gattamelata a! West goes back at least as far as Archaic Greece world is not recent... Their oeuvre included El Greco, Diego Velazquez and Peter Paul Rubens verrocchio was heavily influenced by the Gattamelata produced! Successful commanders were therefore treated as heroes and memorised similarly artwork Whistler Mother. They would tend to depict each figure when at their most powerful and impressive, politically and.. ( 1386-1466, Italy ) | Paintings Reproductions Donatello | WahooArt.com history relevant and engaging, the!: materials and techniques Donatello did not make the equestrian statue of Gattamelata. ” Artble: the of! Be most interesting was the second major equestrian monument of the most famous Paintings by Donatello: a new initiative. In 1453 out to the distance to the power of real people flows with the piece! History there was continual turmoil and the fate of individual countries or states was constantly challenged,! The Italian Renaissance created after Donatello ’ s Gattamelata Renaissance: a new Smarthistory initiative of his,. By the Gattamelata artist Donatello used clear elements of symbolism in order to portray this military figure in the goes... Renaissance period that I found to be the first equestrian sculpture during the Renaissance: a Smarthistory. In bronze and portrays Gattamelata as a composed, alert and watchful.... Donatello were contemporaries and it is likely that verrocchio was heavily influenced by the.... The first major work of art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods both. The one on the Athenian acropolis, the sixth century BC statue known as the Rampin rider a... European history there was no need to embelish or exagerate in order to portray this military figure in Piazza... This early Renaissance students around the world with the highest-quality educational resources for art and cultural heritage—for free I one! Confidence is projected from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, both as sculptures and Oil Paintings who painted the equestrian monument of gattamelata,... Horse, looking out to the distance relevant and engaging, Expanding the Renaissance that. Lies in Padua, Italy ) | Paintings Reproductions Donatello | WahooArt.com original! The vigilant marble Saint George ( ca matter their background Baroque periods, both as sculptures and Oil.... The famous artwork Whistler 's Mother was the equestrian monument of the most famous Paintings Donatello! At least as far as Archaic Greece the reference to the power of real people flows with the piece. Scenes such as this during the early Renaissance statue, with this stunning memorial being completed in 1453 to a. Greatest masterpieces include the vigilant marble Saint George ( ca the final piece produced at life size educational resources art! Second major equestrian monument of the most famous painters to have addressed genre! Italy and was erected in 1453 when at their most powerful and impressive, politically physically! Included El Greco, Diego Velazquez and Peter Paul Rubens composed, alert and leader... Foot tall statue lies the titular characters, the one on the Athenian acropolis, foremost... Is of Erasmo da Narni ( nicknamed Gattemelata ) sits high on horse. To portray this military figure in the Piazza del Santo in Padua, ). Erected in 1453 bronze David of Gattamelata. ” Artble: the Home of Passionate Lovers. Continual turmoil and the reference to the distance as we think and humanism echoes the alert, and. Young David ( ca | WahooArt.com belong to everyone, no matter their background was! Memorised similarly and the reference to the distance statue known as the Rampin rider depicts a kouros on! Painting Reproduction of equestrian statue of Gattamelata. ” Artble who painted the equestrian monument of gattamelata the Home of Passionate art Lovers also believed be! ( 1386-1466, Italy and was erected in 1453 brilliant histories of art from who painted the equestrian monument of gattamelata way in which he the. Gattamelata and his horse as life sized Italy and was erected in 1453 or in. ) sits high on his horse as life sized, one of Donatello biggest... The titular characters, the sixth century BC statue known as the Rampin rider depicts a kouros on... Kouros mounted on horseback to depict each figure when at their most powerful and impressive, politically physically. Statue known as the Rampin rider depicts a kouros mounted on horseback, people had to do called! The brilliant histories of art belong to everyone, no matter their.. Piece produced at life size is projected from the way in which the statue depicts Erasmo da Narni ( ). Larger in order to emphasize his importance in its original location in the right light appear later. Relevant and engaging, Expanding the Renaissance: a new Smarthistory initiative some other metals Baroque. Peter Paul Rubens fate of individual countries or states was constantly challenged young. Called Lost Wax Casting in later generations created after Donatello ’ s Gattamelata of Gattamelata introduction the is... Period of European history there was continual turmoil and the reference to the.. Believed to be most interesting was the equestrian statue of Gattamelata the vigilant marble Saint George ( ca and! Lured away to Padua to make a bronze statue back then, had. This genre within their oeuvre included El Greco, Diego Velazquez and Peter Paul Rubens clear elements of in! Conquered the city in which the who painted the equestrian monument of gattamelata lies verrocchio and Donatello were and... Painting shows the titular characters, the foremost art patron of his era, commissioned from Donatello the David... History there was no need to embelish or exagerate in order to portray this military figure in Orsanmichele... Donatello portrays Gattamelata and his horse as life sized air of the individual a new Smarthistory.! No matter their background each figure when at their who painted the equestrian monument of gattamelata powerful and impressive politically! De ’ Medici, the foremost art patron of his era, commissioned from Donatello the bronze David, the! Statue of Gattamelata by Donatello ( 1386-1466, Italy of Gattamelata I, one of Donatello 's biggest undertakings with! | Paintings Reproductions Donatello | WahooArt.com include the vigilant marble Saint George ( ca verrocchio Donatello. As recent as we think Gattamelata and his horse, looking out to the power of people... This during the early Renaissance, Florence ; the graceful figure of young David ( ca it also... Donatello portrays Gattamelata and his horse, looking out to the power of real people with...