What do you know about the real Donatello?

Donatello – the artist from the 1400s, not the ninja turtle – is often described as one of the greatest sculptors that ever lived. But why exactly? Try our quiz and see if you can spot some of the ingenious tricks and hacks that Donatello invented to set his work apart from the competition.

Question 1Question 1 out of 8:

Donatello carved this statue of Saint Mark in Florence. But when his clients saw it, they complained that the head and torso were too big compared to the legs. So why did Donatello make the head so large?

A: Saint Mark was famous for his bulbous head B: It made Saint Mark stand out from the statues of other saints C: The large head looks normal when viewed from below

Question 2Question 2 out of 8:

Donatello loved using a technique called ‘contrapposto’ to make statues seem more life-like. But what exactly is contrapposto? 

A: Adding realistic details to the hair B: Leaning on one leg with the other leg bent C: Casual posing of the arms

Question 3Question 3 out of 8:

If you find Donatello’s wooden statue of Mary Magdalene creepy, you are not alone. Why was this piece so shocking when it was first unveiled?

A: It shows the effects of starving in a desert for 30 years B: The wood had started to rot, giving a decayed look C: The statue’s eyes follow viewers around the room

Question 4Question 4 out of 8:

Donatello’s large statue of the war hero Gattamelata holds a special place in art history. Why is that?

A: It was the first full-size statue of a horse and rider made since Roman times B: The subject posed live on horseback for Donatello to sketch him C: It was Donatello’s first public sculpture

Question 5Question 5 out of 8:

Donatello’s marble statue of the prophet Habakkuk has always been better known by its nickname, ‘Lo Zuccone’. What does it mean?

A: The globe head B: The pumpkin head C: The potato head

Question 6Question 6 out of 8:

Donatello always included subtle details in his work to perfectly meet his clients’ needs – so can you guess who this statue of Saint George was carved for?

A: The guild of innkeepers B: The guild of armourers and sword makers C: The guild of weavers

Question 7Question 7 out of 8:

Donatello invented a technique called ‘squashed relief’ used in this piece called ‘The Ascension’. What does ‘squashed relief’ mean?

A: Carving different areas at varying depths to create a 3D look B: Carving the figures with shorter, rounder bodies C: Carving the entire scene in a narrow strip, like a widescreen image

Question 8Question 8 out of 8:

Finally, which of these materials did Donatello use to create his sculptures?

A: Marble B: Bronze C: Wood D: Terracotta E: Sandstone F: All the above

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