Working amid the vibrant creativity of 15th-century Florence, the sculptor Donatello emerged as one of the most innovative and influential artists of the Renaissance. His works encompass a vast emotional range, capturing everything from unabashed joy and lightheartedness to formal grandeur and profound religious conviction. A true master of technique, Donatello revolutionized sculpture by breaking new ground in both the methods he employed and the forms he developed. He explored the human experience with a boldness and depth that still resonates, leaving behind a legacy of works that seem remarkably modern in their emotional complexity and technical execution.

Art historian Elaine Ruffolo delves into the life and artistry of Donatello, an artist who embodied the spirit and ideals of the Renaissance in his sculptures. Donatello’s creations—whether the elegant “David,” the dynamic “Saint George,” or the deeply moving “Penitent Magdalene”—speak to universal human experiences that continue to captivate viewers today.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*

Additional Art-full Friday Programs

• January 24: Written Word, Painted Image: How Books Inspired Renaissance Art
• February 14: Florentine Splendor: The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

General Information

• View Common FAQs and Policies about our Online Programs on Zoom.

*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.