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

Cosimo de' Medici

1464-66
Bronze, diameter 8 cm
Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence

This small portrait medallion, showing the profile of Cosimo de' Medici is attributed by some researchers to Donatello.

During the course of Donatello's life, he frequently crossed paths with one of the most powerful men of his age: Cosimo de' Medici (called Il Vecchio). Vasari was not the only one who commented on the intimate contact and mutual high regard of Donatello and Cosimo de' Medici. The two must have known each other for more than half a century. As they became older, a friendship characterised by a high degree of mutual respect appears to have developed between them.




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