Media Information

 
 
 
Collection:
ADJUNCT MODULE A: ITALIAN ART
Preferred Title:
Saint George
Alternate Title:
Saint George Tabernacle
Image View:
Bas-relief with St. George's combat with the dragon for the freeing of the Princess of Cappadocia
Creator:
Donatello (Italian sculptor, ca. 1386-1466)
Location:
repository: Museo Nazionale del Bargello (Florence, Tuscany, Italy)
Location Note:
Via del Proconsolo, 4
GPS:
43.770423 11.257947
Date:
ca. 1414-1417 (creation)
Cultural Context:
Italian
Style Period:
Renaissance
Work Type 1:
sculpture (visual work)
Work Type 2:
tabernacle (aedicule)
Work Type 3:
bas-relief (sculpture)
Classification:
sculpture
Material:
marble
Technique:
carving (processes)
Measurements:
214 cm (height, statue)
Description:
Around 1414, the Arte dei Corazzai (Guild of Armourers, literally Cuirass-makers) ordered from Donatello a marble statue for Orsanmichele of their patron, St. George, a knight in armor and thus an advertisement for their wares. In the clenched right-hand fist a hole indicates that the knight once held a weapon, probably a sword fashioned in gilt-metal. This is the original; a bronze copy now stands in the niche outside Orsanmichele. The niche is replicated in the museum. Below the niche is a relief that, like the predella of an altarpiece, tells the story of the Saint depicted above. This showcases Donatello’s principal technical innovation, stiacciato (rilievo schiacciato), a technique of very low bas-relief (only a depth of about 10 to 20 mm) that provides the viewer with an illusion of depth and spatial continuity. This is also one of the first examples of central-point perspective in sculpture. The relief is replicated on the niche as well; however the original is located nearby, hung at eye level for better viewing. (Source: Grove Art Online; http://www.oxfordart online.com/)
Collection:
Adjunct Module A: Italian Art
Identifier:
7A1-DB-NMB-SG-A10
Rights:
© Scott Gilchrist, Archivision, Inc.

Saint George