Sculptures of the Renaissance Period

“Madonna of humility” 1403 by Jacopo Della Quercia

Jacopo Della Quercia was probably trained by his father in the art of sculpturing using both methods of wood and marble; he was influenced by such artist as Donatello and Michelangelo. Jacopo Della Quercia influences in sculpturing made him a very transitional artist from the Gothic styles to the Italian Renaissance era. In Jacopo Della Quercia sculpture of “Madonna of humility” we see that the Virgin Mary is seated and posed with the look of divine intervention of the birth of baby Jesus as she cradles him in her lap. This devotional theme sets as a humbling background for the churches as it shows a divine will for God.

“St John the Baptist” 1412 by Lorenzo Ghiberti

Lorenzo Ghiberti was an artist who thrived during the early years of the renaissance period who learned the trade of a goldsmith from his father, were he expanded out to become very influential sculpture. Ghiberti was best known as a painter before becoming a sculpture because of his knowledge of design and coloring. The sculpture of “St. John the Baptist” was one of the first instrumentals figures cast in bronze for those modern times and was a single casting piece that proved to be difficult to do. Ghiberti art work is seen as a reflection of his faith in the Christianity beliefs

“David” by Donatello c. 1440s

This statue is known as one of Donatello’s most famous works of art because it was one of the first known creations that were free standing and nude. Donatello shows the young figure of David who has already killed the giant Goliath and is standing over the his head with his sword poised on top of his head, by his stance shows that he has been symbolized by the Republic of Florence and it gives a sense of being blessed by God, and so by this we see David victorious. There has been some controversy stating that Donatello showed some homo-erotic qualities and produced this piece as a reflection of his feelings.