DONATELLO
(b. ca. 1386, Firenze, d. 1466, Firenze)

Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata (detail)

1447-50
Bronze
Piazza del Santo, Padua

The impressive effect of the equestrian monument is due not least to the supreme ease with which the military leader is apparently effortlessly guiding his horse with a relaxed hand. The head of the mighty animal testifies to its fiery temperament, although at the same time it appears to have been brought under control without the rider having to pull on his reins.