Short Biography: Donato Di Niccolo Di Betto Bardi

Donatello, the famous Italian sculptor’s real name was Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi. As an expert of sculpting bronze and marble, he quickly became one of the greatest Italian Renaissance artists of his time. There is a lot to be known about his life and career but there is little to be found about his personality. It is said that Donatello never married, and he was a man who lived a simple lifestyle compared to his peers. His friends often found him hard to deal with, and he also demanded a lot of artistic attention and freedom when working. Donatello was a man before his times, and his artwork was beyond impressive. One main characteristic of Donatello’s work that put him above the rest is that he had specific knowledge of ancient sculpture than any other artist

At a young age, he was given the nickname “Donatello” by his family and friends, which continued to stay with him for the rest of his life. Since he was the son of a craftsman, he was expected to work in the trading business. Donatello’s education began at the home of wealthy and influential bankers by the name of Martellis. This family had close ties to the Medici family, and this is where Donatello first began his lessons in art. (1)

It is not definite how Donatello started his career, but historians believe he learned stone carving from one of the sculptors working at the cathedral of Florence sometime around the year 1400. From the sculptor, he learned about the fabrication of metals and metallurgy along with learning about other substance. In 1403, Donatello worked as an under study for metalsmith and sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti. After a few years of working with Ghiberti, he was asked to help assist Ghiberti in creating the bronze doors to the Baptistery of the Florence Cathedral. He made his living by working in goldsmiths’ shop at the beginning of his career.