Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi was an Italian sculptor, born and raised in Florence, that is better known as Donatello and had a major role to play in the growth of Renaissance art. Having studied classical sculptures in his younger days, he began making his beautiful creations from the ripe young age of 16. He continued to work and develop his unique and stunning style of sculpting.
With his skill at working with a wide variety of materials, including bronze, clay, wax, stone, wood and many others, Donatello was commissioned to create many notable works and made major contributions to the development of Renaissance art. His work has been on display among those of numerous other notable Renaissance artists, like Leonardo Da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli. Here are 20 magnificent masterpieces, forged by the hands of this great artist.
1. Lo Zuccone, now housed in the Museo dell' Opera del Duomo, Florence, Italy
(By Donatello, Wikimedia Commons)
2. The Feast of Herod, now on the baptistry of the Siena Cathedral in Italy
(By Sailko, Wikimedia Commons)
3. The Tomb of Cardinal Rainaldo Brancacci, now at the Sant'Angelo a Nilo in Italy
(By Sailko, Wikimedia Commons)
4. The "Assumption of the Virgin", on the Tomb of Cardinal Rainaldo Brancacci
(By Donatello, Wikimedia Commons)
5. Basilica del Santo Crucifix, now placed on the high altar of the basilica di Sant'Antonio da Padova in Padua, in Northern Italy
(Copy at the Pushkin Museum, Moscow, By Sailko, Wikimedia Commons)
6. The Baptism of Christ, now at the Arezzo Cathedral
(By Donatello, Wikimedia Commons)
7. Judith and Holofernes, now at the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence
(By Sailko, Wikimedia Commons)
8. The Marzocco, the heraldic lion and a symbol of Florence, now housed in the Piazza della Signoria
(By RicciSpeziari, Wikimedia Commons)
9. David, now housed in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence
(By Donatello, Wikimedia Commons)
10. The Madonna and Child, now housed in the Louvre
(By Sailko, Wikimedia Commons)
11. The Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata, now located in the Piazza del Santo in Padua, Italy,
12. The Penitent Magdalene, now on display in the Museo dell' Opera del Duomo in Florence
(By Sailko, Wikimedia Commons)
13. The San Rossore Reliquary, now in Florence’s Museo Nazionale di San Matteo
(By Donatello, Wikimedia Commons)
14. Virgin and Child with Four Angels, now found in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
(By VAwebteam, Wikimedia Commons)
15. St George, now in the Bargello Museum, Florence
(By Sailko, Wikimedia Commons)
16. The Santa Croce Crucifix, now in the Cappella Bardi di Vernio, Florence, Italy
(By Sailko, Wikimedia Commons)
17. The Tomb of Antipope John XXIII, in the Florence Baptistry
18. The Pazzi Madonna, now at the Bode-Museum, Berlin
(By Donatello, Wikimedia Commons)
19. Saint Louis of Toulouse, in the Museo di Santa Croce, Florence
(By Sailko, Wikimedia Commons)
20. The Piot Madonna, now in the Louvre
(By Donatello, Wikimedia Commons)
Incredible Piano Performance of Schumann’s Sonata No. 2
Listen to the incredibly talented and award-winning pianist Tiffany Poon play a lovely rendition to Schumann’s Sonata No. 2
A Side Of the Louvre You Never Thought to Look For
The Louvre is the treasure of Paris, and filled with hundreds of thousands of smaller, but equally incredible treasures to fill you with awe
There’s a Side to Michelangelo’s Artwork You’ve Never Seen
Take a look at the work of artist Michelangelo, beyond the Sistine Chapel and the statue of David, and created by him over 70 years.
David vs. David: Comparing Two Classic Sculptures
Examining two sculptures by two distinct and famous artists: Donatello and Michelangelo
This Artist Uses Fruit and Veggies to Create Stunning Art
Witness the wonderful sculptures of Takehiro Kishimoto, who sculpts in fruit and vegetables.
16 Unforgettable Tracks By Nat King Cole
Celebrate the beautiful music of one of the most influential jazz pianists and vocalists in history - Nat King Cole.
I Can’t Help Falling in Love with Bocelli’s Elvis Tribute
Watch as the spectacular Andrea Bocelli gives his rendition of an old Elvis classic. His performance made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
These Paintings Transport You to a Pastoral Dream World
Denmark's most famous landscape painter is one of the art world's greatest secrets. Have a look at these wondrous examples of his work.
15 Unforgettable Paintings by Marc Chagall, Explained
You can explore Marc Chagall's 15 greatest works, presented from various periods in his life.
I Am Floored by This Russian Folk Dance!
The Russian folk dance in this video, as you're about to see, cannot be performed by just anyone...
Learn About the Final Artworks of 8 Legendary Artists
Discover the final works of 8 prominent artists, and learn about the curious story behind each of them.
Spectacular Art Will Take You to the East During the 1800s
From his travels, American artist Edwin Lord Weeks created some spectacular art. Take a look at his work.
When Your Teacher is a Genius with a Piece of Chalk
This Japanese artist is so talented he can create amazing chalk drawings that will only last an hour, just to inspire his beloved students.
Smile as These 2 Prove You're Never Too Old to Dance!
If you think you're too old to dance, then you'd better think again!
This Creative Shadow Dance Will Take Your Breath Away!
Witness the incredible shadow dance group, El Gamma Penumbra, perform their interpretation of the Danish heartthrob Christopher's 'Heartbeat'.
WATCH: This Synchronized Reaction Is Mesmerizing
DoodleChaos is a remarkable channel, but this video in particular caught my eye. Watch this marble reaction that's synchronized to Tchaikovsky.
This Artist's Level of Realism Is Out of This World!
Thanks to the power of digital art, this incredible artist creates this stunningly realistic portraits. Check out some of his finest works here.
This Dance Group Tells an Emotional Story Through Shadows
Watch this shadow dance group put on an emotional performance.
Feast Your Eyes on 10 Masterpieces by Norman Rockwell
Norman Rockwell was a famous 20th century American painter. Here are 10 of his best paintings.
Watch This Daredevil Stun the Britain's Got Talent Judges
Have you ever seen a magician as brave and as crazy as TanBA? View his fearless act here.
This Artist Turned Her Unique Paper Art Into a Living
Portuguese artist Sena Runa's beautiful paper quilling art has resulted in her amassing a staggering 100,000 followers. Take a look at her unique work here.
These Dancers Are Beyond Anything I've Ever Seen.
Stunning Ballet Acrobatic Performance you have to see to believe.
Impressive! I Can't Believe What This Illusionist Does!
If you love a good magic trick! You'll love this!
40 Works of Street Art That Will Make You Stop And Think
Many beautiful works of art have been found in the most unique places. These artists make the streets their canvas and pour their hearts out to the world.
A Side Of the Louvre You Never Thought to Look For
The Louvre is the treasure of Paris, and filled with hundreds of thousands of smaller, but equally incredible treasures to fill you with awe
Paintings Have Never Looked More Real Than This Artist's
Can you believe these art pieces by Jason de Graaf aren't photos?
These Miniatures are Worth Their Weight in Gold...
Jon Almeda's miniature creations are worth their weight in gold...
It is Amazing What This Artist Can Do With Two Strings
Listen to the beauty of a true Erhu master, creating exquisite music with just two strings...
This Irish Jig is Just Too Much Fun to Watch!
Enjoy this Irish dance craze that will bring a smile to your face!
100 Years of Dance: a Visual of How Dance Culture Evolved
Decide which is your favorite 20th-century dance genre by watching these dancers reproduce the most popular styles of the past century
Watch Andre Rieu Masterfully Perform 'The Last Rose'
Watch Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra masterfully perform their version of 'The Last Rose' while they were touring the Netherlands.
Relax With a Few Moments of Heavenly Music
Take a few moments for yourself. Close your eyes and let the smile spread on your face as this sweet music spreads in the air.
7 Beautiful Animal Paintings by Franz Marc
German artist Franz Marc was known for his abstract animal paintings that explored their spiritual side. Take a look at his best works.
Amazing! Who Knew Spilled Coffee Could Create Great Art?
Amazing! This Italian artist uses spilled coffee to create stunning pieces of art. Check out some of her work here!
When He Performed His Magic Trick, the Audience Was Amazed
An incredible card trick that left the Britain's Got Talent judges gasping...
16 Cute Animal Videos That'll Melt the Harshest of Frowns
A selection of 16 extremely cute animal videos that will make your day. Prepare to be overwhelmed by their cuteness.
Bright and Colorful! Feast Your Eyes on This Gorgeous Art
Vibrant, expressive and colorful describe the beautiful paintings that you're about to see.
There’s a Side to Michelangelo’s Artwork You’ve Never Seen
Take a look at the work of artist Michelangelo, beyond the Sistine Chapel and the statue of David, and created by him over 70 years.
When It Comes to Paper Art, This Woman is the Best!
Malena Valcarcel has been making miniature paper art for many years. Here's a selection of some of her works.
The Art of Stone Carving Has Been Brought Back to Life!
This amazing artist makes creating sculptures look almost easy, but watch the video to know the real heart and work that goes into it.
Henri Matisse: King of the Wild Artists Movement
Henri Matisse has a place in the Hall of Fame of avant-garde art. This article tries to explore why.
This Unbelievably Talented Fifteen Year Old Will Amaze
Fifteen year old contortionist, Sofie Dossi will absolutely blow you away with her beautiful act.
It's Amazing What 4 Cellos Can Achieve Together!
Enjoy an incredible mix of classical music and modern tempo when 4 cellists start playing together!
The Detail in This Artist’s Sculptures Left Me Speechless
You can't ignore the magnificent works of Yuanxing Liang, the impressive Chinese artist who manages to convey emotions with his clay sculptures ...
Have You Ever Seen a Performer as Flexible as This?
How on Earth can anyone bend their body like this? I can't decide if it's beautiful to watch of painful to think about. How about you?
Enjoy Musical Heaven By an Extremely Talented Cellist!
The multi-talented Kevin Olusola uses only his mouth and cello to produce a most amazing rendition to Sam Smith's "Stay with me".
Stephanie Rew Creates Lustrous Portraits Dipped in Gold
Admire 13 of Stephanie Rew’s fantastic gold leaf portraits.