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St John the Evangelist

Admire Donatello's 'St John the Evangelist,' a stunning marble sculpture capturing the apostle’s wisdom and serenity. Witness Renaissance artistry & craftsmanship in this iconic masterpiece.

Donatello (1386-1466): Florentine sculptor of the Early Renaissance. Pioneer of freestanding nude sculpture like 'David,' known for expressive realism, classical influence & innovative techniques. Explore his masterpieces and legacy.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)

Corner sample of the P118B picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118B $10
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Corner sample of the W106C picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W106C $8
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W218G $10
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Corner sample of the W218Y picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218Y $10
Corner sample of the W307PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
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Corner sample of the W316G picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316G $10
Corner sample of the W316PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316PJ $8
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W316Y $10
Corner sample of the W398PJ picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
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Corner sample of the W4111J picture frame: solid wood, 6.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
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Corner sample of the W500HY picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500HY $15
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W500JH $15
Corner sample of the W692G picture frame: solid wood, 8 cm wide and 4 cm thick
W692G $12
Corner sample of the W849H picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
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Total Price

$ 81

St John the Evangelist

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 81

Quick Facts

  • Notable elements or techniques: Perspective; Anatomical realism
  • Location: Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Florence
  • Movement: Early Renaissance
  • Artist: Donatello
  • Medium: Marble

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the primary artistic style associated with Donatello’s St John the Evangelist?
Question 2:
Where was St John the Evangelist originally displayed?
Question 3:
What material is St John the Evangelist sculpted from?
Question 4:
Donatello employed a technique known as ______, which allowed him to create an illusion of depth and realism.
Question 5:
What does the sculpture’s gaze convey about St John's character?

Donatello’s St John the Evangelist: A Portrait of Doubt Amidst Renaissance Majesty

Donatello’s *St John the Evangelist*, sculpted between 1409 and 1411, stands as a cornerstone of Florentine Renaissance art—a testament to humanist ideals blended with masterful technical skill. Initially destined for Santa Maria del Fiore’s Duomo façade, its subsequent relocation to the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo cemented its place in artistic history and continues to captivate viewers today.

  • Subject Matter: The statue depicts St John the Evangelist, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, embodying wisdom and contemplation. Donatello deliberately chose an elderly figure—a departure from prevailing artistic conventions—to convey a profound sense of inner turmoil and questioning faith.
  • Style & Technique: Donatello’s style is characterized by its groundbreaking naturalism, achieved through meticulous anatomical observation and expressive drapery. He employed the technique of *contrapposto*, positioning John's weight on one leg while subtly shifting his torso to create a dynamic pose that belies the statue’s stillness. The sculptor skillfully utilized marble—a material prized for its luminosity and ability to capture detail—to render textures with astonishing accuracy.
  • Historical Context: Created during Florence’s artistic zenith, *St John* reflects the humanist spirit of the era, prioritizing human emotion and intellect alongside classical ideals. It emerged from a broader movement toward portraying figures as psychologically complex individuals rather than idealized representations.
  • Symbolism: The statue's symbolism extends beyond its depiction of St John—a revered saint known for his Gospels and Epistles. Donatello’s deliberate choice to portray an aged apostle speaks to the contemplation of mortality and the questioning of divine providence, themes central to Renaissance spirituality.
  • Emotional Impact: Viewing *St John* evokes a powerful response – one of quiet reverence mingled with palpable unease. The sculptor's masterful rendering of John’s gaze—searching, troubled, yet imbued with an unwavering conviction—captures the essence of human experience confronting existential dilemmas. It is this profound psychological depth that elevates *St John* beyond mere sculptural representation, transforming it into a timeless meditation on faith and doubt.

The statue’s placement alongside Nanni di Banco’s *St Luke*, and Bernardo Ciuffagni’s *St Mark*, within Santa Maria del Fiore’s Duomo underscores Donatello's role in shaping the aesthetic vision of Renaissance Florence. The sculpture’s enduring legacy testifies to Donatello’s unparalleled ability to fuse classical ideals with humanist sensibilities—a feat that continues to inspire artists and collectors alike.

Donatello’s *St John* remains a poignant reminder of humanity's capacity for introspection and the beauty found in confronting profound questions about existence. Its meticulous craftsmanship and emotive portrayal solidify its position as one of the most celebrated artworks of the Renaissance—a masterpiece that transcends time and speaks to the universal human condition.

Questions & Answers

What orientation does "St John the Evangelist" by Donatello have?

The format of "St John the Evangelist" is tall. This is useful when planning where a reproduction will be placed.

How do I preview a reproduction of "St John the Evangelist" by Donatello?

To preview a reproduction of "St John the Evangelist" by Donatello, open the artwork's Preview page.

What is the color identity of "St John the Evangelist" by Donatello?

"St John the Evangelist" is defined by a neutrals palette led by white (#f9f8f8).


Artist Biography

early life and career

donato di niccolò di betto bardi, known as donatello, was born in florence, italy around 1386. he studied classical sculpture, which heavily influenced his development of an early renaissance style. this new approach to art and culture would eventually become the hallmark of the florentine renaissance.

key works and innovations

donatello's most famous work, david, was the first freestanding nude male sculpture since antiquity. commissioned by the medici family, it showcased his innovative style and technical expertise. other notable works include:
  • st. louis of toulouse (now in the museum of the basilica di santa croce), which featured a classical frame designed by donatello.
  • the sacrifice of isaac, created for the campanile of santa maria del fiore in florence, characterized by strong portrait details.
  • crucifix (1425) for santa croce, which portrayed christ in a moment of agony.

artistic style and legacy

donatello's style can be divided into broad phases, beginning with the development of expressiveness and classical monumentality. his work was not immediately accepted by the community but eventually became the most popular, influencing other italian courts and european artists. key art movements:

personal life and working style

donatello was known for being amiable and well-liked, but poor at the business side of his career. he tended to accept more commissions than he could handle, often completing works late or handing them over to other sculptors. notable artworks and artists:

museums and art collections:

Donatello

Donatello

1386 - 1466 , Italy

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Donatello di Niccolò
  • Nationality: Italian
  • Date Of Birth: 1386
  • Date Of Death: 1466
  • Place Of Birth: Florence, Italy
  • Notable Artworks:
    • David
    • St. Louis of Toulouse
    • Sacrifice of Isaac
    • Crucifix
  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Early Renaissance
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Classical sculpture']
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
    • Italian Renaissance
    • Early Renaissance
    • Florentine Renaissance
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