Donatello, David (detail), 1440.
One of the must-see exhibitions of 2022 will take place in Florence, where an exhibition dedicated to Donato di Niccolòdi Betto Bardi – better known as Donatello – will open on 19 March. Arguably the single most innovative and influential artist of the Italian Renaissance, a thorough consideration of his work is more than overdue.
This talk, by National Gallery lecturer Dr Richard Stemp, presents Donatello’s sculpture through the eyes - and words - of one of the first people to consider his work in depth: Giorgio Vasari. The Lives of the Artists, first published in 1550, is often considered to herald the birth of the History of Art, and even though Vasari was not always accurate, his work is of vital importance, not only because it helps us to understand how art was seen in the 16th century, but also because he clarifies the original locations of some of the works now in museums. This talk will therefore act as an introduction to two artists: Donatello and Vasari.
Proceeds from our ticket sales benefit museums, galleries and other arts-based organisations and projects.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live, or on-demand for three weeks afterwards. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends.