Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata by Donatello

The Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata is a sculpture by Italian early Renaissance craftsman Donatello, dating from 1453, situated in the Piazza del Santo in Padua, Italy, today.

It depicts the Renaissance condottiero Erasmo da Narni, known as "Gattamelata", who served for the most part under the Republic of Venice, which ruled Padua at the time.

Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata Facts

Erasmo da Narni, the subject of Donatello's Gattamelata, was a ground-breaking and famous Venetian aristocrat and condottiere (soldier of fortune).

His military triumphs were outstanding all through the Italian city-conditions of the Pre-Renaissance period and his family was very much regarded. When Da Narni passed his family appointed the Gattamelata to honor da Narni's military ability and acclaim.

Who commissioned the equestrian statue of gattamelata?

The piece was commissioned by the Republic of Venice to memorialize Erasmo da Narni. The military head was nicknamed "Gattamelata." He ascended in positions to become the General Commander of the armed forces in the Republic of Venice.

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Donatello's delineation of Gattamelata was the most punctual equestrian work of its sort made during the Renaissance.

Donatello's Statue of Gattamelata Analysis

Donatello did not make the military chief big as it was common to oversize statues at that time. Rather, he situated Gattamelata upon his horse with an outward appearance that peruses as unwaveringly confidence.

His horse is in mid-walk and his huge sword is sheathed next to him. Donatello utilized imagery to depict Gattamelata's military ability. His horse is leaning forward and his front left hoof is up to depict movement. 

The musculature and stance of the horse is reminiscent of Roman traditional style and is unmistakably naturalistic. The enormous statue sits on a platform created to symbolize the passageway.

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What does gattamelata mean?

"Honeyed cat”

Equestrian statue of gattamelata size?

340 x 390 cm

What is equestrian statue of gattamelata made of?

The statue is made in bronze and depicts Gattamelata and his horse as life-sized.

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When was the equestrian statue of gattamelata made?

In 1453, currently located in the Piazza del Santo in Padua, Italy.

Donatello

Donatello got acclaim for his work in Padua, yet rather than staying, it had the contrary impact on him and made him need to leave.

Donatello says that he "resolved to come back to Florence, saying that in the event that he stayed any more extended in Padua he would overlook everything that he knew, being so enormously commended there by all, and that he was happy to come back to his own nation, where he would pick up only rebuff.

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Since such reproach would encourage him to ponder and would empower him to accomplish more prominent wonder."

For Donatello, inspiration to accomplish significance came about more through analysis than through commendation.

Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata

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