Donatello (1904) (14778545091) -
Summary
Identifier: donatello00meye (find matches)
Title: Donatello
Year: 1904 (1900s)
Authors: Meyer, Alfred Gotthold Konody, Paul G. (Paul George), 1872-1933
Subjects: Donatello, 1386?-1466
Publisher: Bielefeld and Leipzig : Velhagen & Klasing
Contributing Library: Harold B. Lee Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Brigham Young University
Text Appearing Before Image:
on the two parted legs: an isoscelesinstead of a rectangular triangle. In this symmetrical distribution of weightthe St. George is, in a way, related to the St. John. But the question ishere again one of a standing figure, of a motive, possibly, that had beennaturalized by soldierly discipline. Both feet stand flat on the ground, firmly,as though they wanted to take root in the ground. The shield plantedbetween them intensifies deliciously the impression of a living wall. Thissimile also extends to the torso with its broadly arched chest, but here the 21 muscular life is more agitated. Without girdle, under a leather jerkin, thenatural waistline, accentuated by a busk-shaped metal strap, appears muchfreer and clearer than under the shepherds smock of David; and the wholespacing is further differenciated, the left foot and shoulder being slightlymoved forward corresponding to the direction of the eye. The attitudeof the arms recalls most that of St. Mark, but the position of the hands
Text Appearing After Image:
Fig. 15. Crucifix. Florence. S. Croce.After a photograph from the original by Alinari Brothers, Florence. (To page 26.) shows the stronger contrasts of the two other statues. And how inimitablythe general impression is heightened by the attitude of the head toweringfree and bold over the sinewy neck: the crown of the perpendicular ac-centuated by the stem of the cross on the shield!—This youth is surroundedby dangers, but he fears them not. Vasari, better than Francesco Bocchiin his long-winded panegyric, has described the magic spell of this figure:^His attitude gives evidence of a proud and terrible impetuosity . . . and 22 life seems to move within that stone. The historically trained eye of thepresent day may indeed find another reading. It beholds this youthfulchampion at the parting of two ages. The mediaeval ideal of chivalryradiates as yet from him — something of that noblest inner strength thatsometimes flashed forth in the crusades. But this hero watches at the sametime