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Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance
This first major UK exhibition to explore the exceptional talents of the Renaissance master Donatello, arguably the greatest sculptor of all time, presented a fresh vision of the artist and his influence on subsequent generations.
This exhibition is now closed at V&A South Kensington
★★★★★ Pure magic from marble
The Times
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Established by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, Olga Polizzi in 1996, Rocco Forte Hotels is a collection of 14 individual hotels and resorts led by an Italian-Anglo family who have been in hospitality for four generations. From London to Berlin, Rome to Sicily or Florence, all properties are architecturally-inspired landmarks, occupying magnificent buildings in exceptional cultural locations.
Exhibition highlights
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Lamentation over the Dead Christ, bronze, sculpted by Donatello, about 1455 – 1460, Italy. Museum no. 8552-1863. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
View of Florence from the South West, painting, by Francesco Rosselli, about 1495, Florence, Italy. Museum no. E.539-2015. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Drawing of the Massacre of the Innocents, Rennes, Attributed to Donatello, courtesy of Musée des Beaux-Arts -
The Ascension with Christ giving the Keys to St Peter, relief, sculpted by Donatello, about 1428 – 1430, Florence, Italy. Museum no. 7629-1861. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
David, by Donatello, Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence, Italy. Courtesy of the Ministry of Culture. Photo: Bruno Bruchi -
San Rossore, Donatello, by permission of the Ministry of Culture – Regional Directorate of Museums of Tuscany, Florence, Italy -
Madonna of the Clouds, by Donatello. Photo: © 2023. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston -
Spiritello with a tambourine, by Donatello, Skulpturensammlung und Museum für Byzantinische Kunst der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin. Photo Antje Voigt, Berlin
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Features
Donatello – a master at work
Discover how Donatello manipulated materials to create masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture
Inside the Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance exhibition
Take a look inside our Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance exhibition
Explore Donatello's masterpiece: 'The Ascension'
Shine a light on this masterful marble carving
Donatello's 'David'
Pre-dating Michelangelo's David, discover Donatello's marble and bronze sculptures of the Biblical hero
Donatello's Florence
Discover 15th-century Florence, Italy, home to Renaissance master Donatello, with our interactive map
Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance – teachers' resource
Use this Key Stage 4 – 5 resource to support a visit to the exhibition, or as inspirational starting points for study back in the classroom.
Download the resource
Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance
Developed as part of a collaborative partnership with Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi and the Musei del Bargello in Florence, and the Staatliche Museen in Berlin.
Header image: The Ascension with Christ giving the Keys to St Peter, relief, by Donatello, about 1428 – 30, Italy. Museum no. 7629-1861. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London