Donatello David

Donatello David

Question 5

Through an analysis of the video, “Donatello, David,” by Smarthistory, it is evident that its strongest feature is the voiceover. The voiceover is an essential part of the video as it provides context to the displayed images. It would be impossible for a viewer to understand the purpose of the video without the voiceover. The voiceover also educates the viewer and fills in content gaps left out by the footage. An example of this is evident in the in-depth analysis of the sculpture that touches on the symbolism of the rock and the sword in David’s hands. The voiceover style utilized also serves to capture and maintain the audience’s attention through the duration of the video. The weakest feature of the video is the use of images. The video utilizes a limited number of images and focuses primarily on the frontal presentation of the sculpture. Failing to present the image from different angles makes it difficult for the audience to fully appreciate its greatness. It also makes the video boring and the audience will easily lose interest in it as they tire from looking at the same image with limited variations.

Question 6

To the honourable Piero di Cosimo de’ Medici of Florence

Humbly receive the salutations of a lowly man who dares to write to you. I hope that by God’s grace this letter finds you well and in good health. Let me first start by expressing my gratitude for the opportunities your family has provided for the artists of Florence. Under your families patronage, Florence has grown to become the artistic capital of Europe and the whole world. As a lowly artist, I am greatly honoured to have this opportunity to express my painting on the Conversion of Paul to you. The painting is base on the idea of change, the change your family brought to Florence, and the change emanating from God’s grace. The deep black background that engulfs the background reflects the three days that Paul was blind after his encounter with God. I have chosen to only illuminate Paul’s face to demonstrate that he is the only person who got a personal connection with God. Also, he is fallen from the horse to indicate that before God we are all his lowly servants. I hope that you find this image appealing to you and that you appreciate the personal connection it seeks to present.

Question 7

In his presentation of Portrait of a Lady, Pallaiuolo utilizes a classical renaissance presentation style to highlight the features of the lady. The approach focuses on highlighting the details that bring the painting to appear realistic simply and naturally. The painter’s analytic line traces all the shape nuances of the subject modelling her delicate features. The level of detail in the presentation of the portrait brings it to vibrant life and creates an aura of sophistication that reflects the subject.

In his presentation of the Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata, Donatello borrows heavily from the classical Roman style. He is able to achieve the effects of power, individualism and motion through a number of different classical presentation strategies. The power of the subject is expressed through symbolism. The front hoof of the horse rests on a canon ball and the subject is dressed in full military regalia to symbolize his power in the Venetian army. The level of detail in the depiction of the horse serves to make the sculpture more realistic and its stance helps to bring it to life. The level of emotions depicted on the riders face portrays an alert, composed and watchful leader with a character reflective of individualism during the renaissance period.