St. John the Baptist

Donatello, signed and dated 1438
(cleaning and restoration, 1973,
Professor and Mrs. John McAndrew)

The completion date of the wooden sculpture of St. John the Baptist, executed by the Florentine master Donatello, had been under dispute for many decades. The 1973 restoration revealed a signature and date of 1438, at last putting to rest the scholarly debate. The date confirms that Donatello carved the sculpture in Florence for the Venetian confraternity of the Florentines. They commissioned a master from their home town to create this sculpture of their patron saint. Donatello rewarded them with a work remarkable for its naturalism and human pathos. It must have greatly impressed and influenced Venetian artists and audiences.

Photos: Mark Smith