Donatello Sculpture of
Gattamelata
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Donatello Sculpture of
Gattamelata
ca. 1447, bronze.
Basilica of Sant'Antonio, Padua
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This Donatello sculpture ca. 1447 of famous Venetian
condottiere, Erasmo da Narmi, was
popularly called Gattamelata (The Honeyed Cat).
This Donatello sculpture was very controversial at the
time of its creation as it was an equestrian monument
glorifying a man who was just a man, not a
ruler, such works always previously being executed
solely for rulers.
This Donatello sculpture is a magnificent equestrian statue
of the mercenary who led Venetian forces to defeat Milan.
Gattamelata's figure is posed astride his great bronze horse
wearing classical-inspired armor with a baton raised in his
right hand, reminiscent of the Roman Emperor Marcus
Aurelius Equestrian Statue in the piazza of St.
Peter's in Rome. The Donatello sculpture of
Gattamelata can be found in Padua on its high pedestal
in front of the Basilica of Sant'Antonio.
Brenda Harness, Art Historian
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