Equestrian Monument to Erasmo da Narni (Gattamelata)- Donatello (VENICE)

Critical text

"Donatello proved himself such a master in the proportions and excellence of this huge cast" (Vasari)

Signature of Donatello

'OPUS DON'; commemorating the artist and exemplifying his elevated status

Padua

- Donatello had been working in Padua since 1444 - The city was a major centre of humanist studies, Petrarch spent his last years in Venice and Padua

Likeness to Erasmo

- Donatello never actually saw him but based the likeness of off a death mask.

Previous condottieri

- Had been portrayed in contemporary guise, in far more humble materials and inside churches.

Inspiration

- Inspired by the statue of Marcus Aurelius on the Capitoline Hill in Rome - Gattamelata was the first bronze equestrian since Antiquity - Any medieval equestrian monuments were positioned over tombs, the free standing nature was ground-breaking at the time

Size and proportion

- Monumental - Erasmo's body is in natural proportion to his horse, indicating that Donatello was trying to achieve a high level of naturalism. - Not shown as a deity but someone with intelligence, courage and confidence: human virtues - Traditionally subject matter would only commemorate Christ, the saints, or a king on such a scale but here he is commemorating an individual

Placement + What is unique about an equestrian being outside

- Placed at the entrance to the Santo, Padua's most cherished shrine, a potent image of civic pride - Exterior monuments throughout northern Italy had been reserved for rulers.

Subject Matter

- Slightly larger than life bronze equestrian - Commemorates the condottiere, Podesta of Padua, Erasmo of Narni. His nickname was Gattamelata meaning "honeyed cat". He led the conquest of Padua on the Venetian's behalf - He is depicted dressed in highly decorated armour, holding his military baton and standing up in his stirrups. His horse is stepping forward, his left foot resting on a canon ball

Composition

- The composition presented a great challenge -> not only was it extremely difficult to make it balanced but he aimed to do what the sculptor of Marcus Aurelius did with the hoof of the horse raised. this was not achievable

Material

- The first equestrian monument to be cast in bronze since antiquity - High tensile strength allows for ambitious composition - Bronze denotes wealth, importance and has connotations of antiquity; all increasing the impact of the subject matter - Dark patina gives an impression of gravitas (power and presence

Technique

- first modelled in clay, wax or plaster and created using the lost wax technique. elements welded together

The Horse

Appears slightly animated: flared nostrils, striding forward, almost engaging with the viewer. Able to see veins of the horse's face, showing Donatello's understanding of anatomy

Title

Donatello, Equestrian Monument to Erasmo da Narni (Gattamelata), 1447-53, bronze, placed outside the Basilica of Sant'Antonio, Padua

Base

The statue stands on an elliptical base, on a plinth raised above the viewer, adding to the status of the subject. The high stone was originally meant to hold Erasmo's remains