Assignment 3:Renaissance & Baroque Art

1. Why was the Medici family so important in the development of the Renaissance?

Medici family was the wealthiest family in Italy during the renaissance and Medici family had so many banks in many different countries. Because this family was rich, it controlled Florence from 1434 to 1492. While they ruled the city of Florence they did many incredible acts, such as spending money on their city, and making it the most powerful state in Italy. They also made it the world's most beautiful city. It became the cultural center of Europe and was known as an art center and cradle of New Humanism. They also spent some of their wealth on having the largest library in Europe; they brought in many Greek sources. They founded the Platonic Academy and supported artists by feeding them, educating them, and providing them with the necessities.

2. Why was Donatello's David so revolutionary?

Donatello’s David was the first unsupported standing work of bronze cast during the Renaissance, and the first freestanding nude male sculpture made since antiquity.  It signified that the dark ages had banished and new age was going to arrive. Also, this sculpture was the start of representing realism and humanism that affected the later Renaissance. 

 3. Describe this sculpture in detail.

Donatello’s bronze statue of David (circa 1440s) which height is 158cm (5’2”) is famous as the first unsupported standing work of bronze cast during the Renaissance, and the first freestanding nude male sculpture made since antiquity. It depicts David with an enigmatic smile, posed with his foot on Goliath’s severed head just after defeating the giant. The youth is completely naked, apart from a laurel topped hat and boots, bearing the sword of Goliath.