Donatello and Florence

Donatello was born and died in Florence, but he also worked for patrons elsewhere in Italy, including Prato, Siena, Naples and notably Padua, where he spent nearly ten years of his life. The Republic of Florence was effectively ruled by the Medici, a powerful banking family, for much of this period. Donatello was a favourite of Cosimo de' Medici (1389–1464), the grandfather of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Artistic production was flourishing in Florence at this time, with patrons vying to attract the best artists to embellish religious, civic and domestic buildings and to make devotional and domestic objects. The talented Donatello was much in demand. His powerful sculptures could be seen across the cityscape of Florence.

  • Lamentation Over the Dead Christ

    Lamentation Over the Dead Christ Donatello (c. 1386-1466) Bronze Florence, Italy About 1455-1460 Museum no. 8552-1863

  • Chellini Madonna

    The Virgin and Child with Four Angels (The Chellini Madonna) Donatello (about 1386-1466) Bronze with gilded decoration Florence, Italy About 1450 Museum no. A.1-1976

    Purchased with the aid of public subscription, with donations from The Art Fund and The Pilgrim Trust in memory of David, Earl of Crawford and Balcarres

  • Chellini Madonna (obverse)

    The Virgin and Child with Four Angels (The Chellini Madonna) (obverse) Donatello (about 1386-1466) Bronze with gilded decoration Florence, Italy About 1450 Museum no. A.1-1976

    Purchased with the aid of public subscription, with donations from The Art Fund and The Pilgrim Trust in memory of David, Earl of Crawford and Balcarres

  • Glass reproduction of the Chellini Roundel

    Reproduction of the Chellini Roundel Glass 1976 Museum no. REPRO.A.1976-1

  • Winged boy with a fish

    Winged boy with a fish Donatello (about 1386-1466) Bronze with traces of gilding Florence, Italy About 1435-1440 Museum no. 475-1864

  • Stucco plaque

    Stucco plaque Painted and gilded stucco Donatello (about 1386-1466) Wooden frame probably painted by Paolo di Stefano (1937-1478) Florence, Italy About 1435-1440 Museum no. A.45-1926

    Presented by The Art Fund with the aid of a body of subscribers in memory of Lord Carmichael of Skirling

  • Plaquette with Virgin and Child

    Plaquette with Virgin and Child Donatello (about 1386-1466) Bronze Florence, Italy Mid 15th century Museum no. 7474-1861

  • The Verona Madonna

    The Verona Madonna Donatello (about 1386-1466) Stucco Probably Verona, Italy About 1450-1475 Museum no. A.1-1976

  • The Flagellation and Crucifixtation (The Forzori Altar)

    The Flagellation and Crucifixtation (The Forzori Altar) Donatello (about 1386-1466) or his circle Terracotta About 1440-1450 Probably Padua, Italy Museum no. 7619-1861

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