Donatello

Donatello (c. 1386–1466): A pioneering Italian sculptor of the Early Renaissance, Donatello revolutionized Western art with his lifelike figures and innovative techniques, including his masterful use of low relief for delicate, shallow carvings. Born in Florence, he mastered bronze, marble, and wood, creating iconic works like the bronze David and the equestrian statue of Gattamelata. His application of perspective and emotional depth, evident in pieces like the Mary Magdalene, influenced generations of artists, bridging medieval traditions with Renaissance humanism.