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Student Artwork Guide

St John on Patmos

Donatello, 1428

Name Class Date
Donatello, St John on Patmos (1428). Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Donatello originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/donatello/
Artist’s dates
1386 – 1466
Painted
1428
Medium
Fresco Paint applied into wet plaster, so the colour dries as part of the wall and cannot be moved.
Original size
215 x 215 cm
Movement
Renaissance The brief peak when balance, depth and anatomy came together — Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo.
Period
Renaissance
Artistic style
Byzantine/Early Renaissance
Influences
Classical sculpture
Notable elements or techniques
Use of stucco technique
Subject or theme
Religious scene, St. John

Copyright This work is in the public domain. Donatello died in 1466; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1536.

Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 7, 2026

St John on Patmos — Donatello Part 1 · The artwork

In context

St John on Patmos — Donatello

How big is it?

The original measures 215 × 215 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height. It is too large to draw to scale on this page.

When was this painted?

  1. 1380
  2. 1390
  3. 1400
  4. 1410
  5. 1420
  6. 1430
  7. 1440
  8. 1450
  9. 1460

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 80 at death.

Painted when the artist was 42. The artist lived to 80. 38 of the 107 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Donatello (1386–1466) ▲ this work, 1428 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1423 Main working years: 1423–1447 Late works: from 1447

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/donatello-st-john-on-patmos-8EWEXE-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Quinacridone Magenta #7d6855

    Catalogued palette

    • #7D6855
    • #91928B
    • #484239
    • #D3CDBC

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Quinacridone Magenta
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Bright How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Donatello over the last twelve months — 15 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 59.0%6,200 visits
    2. 2 Hong Kong 11.4%1,200 visits
    3. 3 United States of America 8.6%900 visits
    4. 4 Italy 6.7%700 visits
    5. 5 Brazil 3.8%400 visits
    6. 6 Germany 1.9%200 visits
    7. 7 Austria 1.0%100 visits
    8. 8 Switzerland 1.0%100 visits
    9. 9 Colombia 1.0%100 visits
    10. 10 Czechia 1.0%100 visits
    11. · 5 other countries 4.6%500 visits

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Donatello

    1. 1 David, 1430 6.7%1,100 visits
    2. 2 Herod's Banquet, 1427 3.1%500 visits
    3. 3 Annunciation, 1435 3.1%500 visits
    4. 4 Musician Angels, 1447 3.1%500 visits
    5. 5 St George, 1416 3.1%500 visits
    6. 6 Pulpit, 1438 2.5%400 visits
    7. 7 Evangelist Luke, 1428 2.5%400 visits
    8. 8 Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata (detail), 1447 2.5%400 visits
    9. 9 Madonna and Child between St Francis and St Anthony, 1448 2.5%400 visits
    10. 10 Pietà, 1447 2.5%400 visits
    11. 11 St George (detail), 1416 2.5%400 visits
    12. 12 Pazzi Madonna 2.5%400 visits
    13. 13 David 2.5%400 visits
    14. 14 Prophet Jeremiah, 1423 2.5%400 visits
    15. 15 Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata (11), 1447 1.8%300 visits
    16. 16 Pulpit (on the left), 1465 1.8%300 visits
    17. 17 South pulpit, 1460 1.8%300 visits
    18. 18 Cantoria (9), 1439 1.8%300 visits
    19. 19 Entombment, 1447 1.8%300 visits
    20. — St John on Patmos, 1428 this painting 0.0%0 visits

    Together these works take 50.6% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 143 works by this artist, of which 77 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 7, 2026

    St John on Patmos — Donatello Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    St John on Patmos — Donatello

    St John on Patmos: A Renaissance Masterpiece

    The St John on Patmos painting, created by the renowned artist Donatello in 1428, is a stunning example of Renaissance art. This masterpiece is a testament to Donatello's skill and craftsmanship, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with precision and detail.

    The Painting's Significance

    The St John on Patmos painting depicts St. John, the patron saint of artists, writers, and theologians, in a state of contemplation. The scene is set against a backdrop of a rocky landscape, with various angels depicted surrounding the main subject. This intricate and captivating depiction of St. John has made the painting a highly sought-after piece among art enthusiasts.

    Artistic Style and Technique

    Donatello's use of stucco as the primary medium for this painting adds to its uniqueness. The artist's mastery of this technique is evident in the intricate details and textures that are visible throughout the piece. The Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence, Italy, houses many of Donatello’s works, including some of his most famous sculptures.

    Visit AllPaintingsStore.com to explore a wide range of art reproductions, including works by Donatello.

    Learn more about the life and works of Donatello on Wikipedia.

    Symbolism and Emotional Impact

    The St John on Patmos painting is a remarkable example of Donatello's skill and artistry, and its reproductions offer a unique opportunity for art lovers to own a piece of history. The deposition of Christ symbolizes sacrifice and compassion, while the angels signify divine intervention. Emotionally, the image evokes feelings of grief, reverence, and spiritual contemplation.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 7, 2026

    St John on Patmos — Donatello Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Donatello

    Born in Florence, Italy

    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:

    italian renaissance

    early renaissance

    florentine renaissance art

    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:

    leonardo da vinci: annunciation (detail)

    amico aspertini: statua di pan/leone che azzanna un cavallo

    michelangelo buonarroti: tondo pitt

    museums and art collections:

    museo della collegiata (empoli, italy): a hidden gem of the renaissance, featuring works by francesco botticini and raffaello botticini.

    the early italian renaissance art movement

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for St John on Patmos

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/donatello-st-john-on-patmos-8EWEXE-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Donatello. St John on Patmos. 1428, https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/donatello-st-john-on-patmos-8EWEXE-en/
    APA
    Donatello (1428). St John on Patmos [Painting]. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/donatello-st-john-on-patmos-8EWEXE-en/
    Chicago
    Donatello. St John on Patmos. 1428. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/donatello-st-john-on-patmos-8EWEXE-en/
    Harvard
    Donatello (1428) St John on Patmos. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/donatello-st-john-on-patmos-8EWEXE-en/

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 7, 2026

    St John on Patmos — Donatello Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    St John on Patmos — Donatello

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. How many faces can you find? ____ (our catalogue counts 3 — do you agree?)
    4. Our catalogue files this work under: religious, saint john, patmos. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    5. Look back at Chellini Madonna, recto, earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 7, 2026

    St John on Patmos — Donatello Part 5 · Look closely

    Art quiz

    St John on Patmos — Donatello

    How well do you know this artwork?

    Tick one answer for each of the 5 questions below. Each has exactly one correct answer.

    1. 1. Who is the artist of 'St John on Patmos'?

      • A Michelangelo
      • B Donatello
      • C Leonardo da Vinci

    2. 2. In what year was 'St John on Patmos' created?

      • A 1408
      • B 1428
      • C 1503

    3. 3. What material did Donatello primarily use to create 'St John on Patmos'?

      • A Oil paint
      • B Marble
      • C Stucco

    4. 4. Where is 'St John on Patmos' currently located?

      • A The Louvre Museum, Paris
      • B Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence
      • C The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

    5. 5. What is a prominent symbolic element depicted in the fresco?

      • A A still life with fruit
      • B The deposition of Christ
      • C A portrait of a Medici family member

    My score: ____ out of 5

    Answer key — for the teacher

    This starts a fresh printed page, so it can simply be left out of the copies.

    1B · 2B · 3C · 4B · 5B

    Check any answer against the catalogue record for this painting

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 7, 2026

    St John on Patmos — Donatello Part 6 · Art quiz

    Questions & Answers

    In what period was "St John on Patmos" by Donatello made?

    The historical period of "St John on Patmos" by Donatello is Renaissance. This classification situates the work in art history.

    What space matches the colors of "St John on Patmos" by Donatello?

    The earthy colors of "St John on Patmos" by Donatello match its recommended space: a living room.

    Where does "St John on Patmos" by Donatello sit in art history?

    "St John on Patmos" by Donatello belongs to the Renaissance movement, within the Renaissance period. Together they give the work its place in art history.