Donatello (1386-1466): Master Sculptor of the Early Renaissance

Donatello (1386-1466) was a Florentine sculptor and one of the most important artists of the Early Renaissance. His real name was Donato di Niccolò di Jacopo, but he was known as Donatello because his nickname was "little donkey" in Italian. He is famous for his mastery of bronze casting and his innovative use of perspective in sculpture.
Donatello was born in Florence, Italy, and trained as a goldsmith before becoming a sculptor. He worked in various cities throughout Italy, including Florence, Rome, and Padua, and was influenced by the works of Giotto and Brunelleschi. Some of his most famous works include:

* The bronze statue of David (1408-1409), which is considered one of the greatest works of the Renaissance and is now located in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence.
* The marble statue of Saint George (1416-1417), which is located in the Orsanmichele church in Florence.
* The bronze pulpit of the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence (1405-1412), which features intricate relief sculptures depicting scenes from the Bible.

Donatello's work had a significant influence on the development of Renaissance art, and he is considered one of the greatest artists of all time.