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

Ascension of Christ

1460-65
Bronze
San Lorenzo, Florence

This relief is on the Resurrection Pulpit. Behind a balustrade twined around with plants, which forms the front border of what is in any case a tightly defined scene, Christ is rising, his hand raised in blessing, up to heaven surrounded by some angels. Only a few of the disciples, whose faces may well have entirely individual features but who are still peculiarly uninvolved, have raised their eyes to watch him.