Jan van Eyck (1390-1441) The Arnolfini Portrait by van Eyck, 1434, via The National Gallery, London His most famous piece, the bronze David, was the first free-standing nude statue made since antiquity, paving the way for the rediscovery of antiquity in Europe.ġ4. The influence of classical principles is evident in Donatello’s work.

Please check your inbox to activate your subscription Thank you! He went on to travel around Italy, together with Brunelleschi, seizing the opportunity to study the art and architecture of the ancient world. Like the Renaissance itself, Donatello was born in Florence where he trained as a goldsmith. 1440-1460, via Italian Renaissanceĭonatello is one of the best-known sculptors of the Renaissance, whose magnificent creations would go on to inspire many generations of craftsmen. Donatello (1386-1466) David by Donatello, ca.

He was also the first artist to formally explain the idea of linear perspective, a concept that became essential to late Renaissance painting.ġ5. Using ingenious and innovative engineering, Filippo Brunelleschi built the huge cupola atop Florence’s cathedral, the first large-scale dome constructed since antiquity.īrunelleschi also worked in the fields of sculpture, mechanics, and drawing. By doing so, he gained an understanding of design and proportion that became his hallmark. He spent years studying the ruins and remains of the ancient civilizations, especially the Roman Empire. Renaissance in Florence: Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446) The cupola atop the Church of Santa Maria del Fiore by Filippo Brunelleschi, 1536, via Smithsonian Magazineįilippo Brunelleschi is considered one of the most important figures in the history of architecture.

Recognized art master of today