Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata by Donatello
*** Grab my Famous Artists eBook! https://www.thehistoryofart.org/ebooks/the-worlds-most-famous-artists/ ***
Donatello's Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata continues the artist's use of bronze, in which the majority of his most famous sculptures were made.
The statue depicts Erasmo da Narni, a military leader who was nicknamed Gattamelata. This was one of Donatello's biggest undertakings, with the final piece produced at life size. It is also believed to be the first equestrian sculpture during the early Renaissance. Artist Donatello used clear elements of symbolism in order to portray this military figure in the right light. Strength and confidence is projected from the way in which he saddles the impressive horse. His sword is also large and threatening. Some artists would deliberately make the horse smaller in order to boost the size of the main figure, but Donatello here chooses a more accurate sizing, giving an air of strength through his facial features and other more subtle touches.
The success of this commission ensured that several more military pieces would appear in later generations. During this period of European history there was continual turmoil and the fate of individual countries or states was constantly challenged. Successful commanders were therefore treated as heroes and memorised similarly. They would tend to depict each figure when at their most powerful and impressive, politically and physically. In avoiding the usual methods of depicting strength in a portrait figure, Donatello is essentially saying that we as ourselves can be awe inspiring on our own. He felt there was no need to embelish or exagerate in order to promote the character of the individual. Gattamelata would look comfortable in himself, having risen through the ranks of the military, never having been gifted anything such as a monarch might be.
The artist carefully planned the overall display and more elements would be added before the sculpture was finally unveilied. A two-sided relief design was added below the main statue, and then a large column would sit below them both, lifting Donatello's design high into the sky. It was placed outdoors, and could be seen by anyone in the city. Over the time, the city of Padua has collated an impressive selection of cultural gems, with this Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata continuing to be seen as one of the biggest highlights. Scores of tourists flock to the city every year in order to see this Donatello masterpiece, as well as a series of Giotto frescoes which are hosted in a chapel elsewhere in the city. Its proximity to Venice also enables international visitors to fit in a wealth of culture without too much diffculty, encapsulating the best that the North East of Italy has to offer.
The piece was commissioned by the Republic of Venice as a memorial to their exceptional former General Commander who had led their troops with great honour and dignity. It remains in its original location in the Piazza del Santo in Padua, Italy. The soldier passed away in 1443, with this stunning memorial being completed in 1453. At that point his influence and legacy were still particularly strong and this sculpture helped that to continue for many generations to come within Padua and more widely the Venice Republic. Many artists captured equestrian scenes such as this during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, both as sculptures and oil paintings. Donatello was a versatile sculptor who was able to adapt to different commissions, and this enabled him to retain a high level across his career as well as being able to accept most opportunities that came his way.
Erasmo da Narni, or Gattamelata, sits upon his horse within this bronze sculpture. He looks off into the distance whilst striking a strong, confident expression. He is portrayed more as a human than previous sculptures would have done, though with a strength of character and desire to observe and protect the people of Venice, which at that time was a powerful kingdom. The same emotions are delivered by his horse, and the two seem very much at ease in each other's company. The horse raises one leg and balances its hoof on an orb, which represents miliary strength. It is also worth noting that although the figure was in his seventies by the time of his death, the artist chose deliberately to portray him in a more youthful and energetic time in his life in order to best serve his legacy. The sculptor is likely to have researched Gattamelata's life as well as equestrian statues from the past prior to commencing work on this commission.