Donatello's work has forever changed the way that art is created, viewed, and interpreted. Generally, this Italian Renaissance sculptor is considered by most experts to be one of the greatest sculptors of all time (A History of Art 46); he is also thought of as the founder of modern sculpture. Although Donatello's impact on the art world will never be truly measured, we know he was a great influence on artists because his techniques are still used by sculptors today.
             Donatello was born Donnato Di Niccolo Di Betto Bardi in Florence, Italy. Most records show that he was born in the year 1386, although the actual date of his birth is unknown. His father, Niccolo di Betto Bardi, was a Florentine wool comber; but Donatello, unlike most sons of that time, had no plans of following in his father's footsteps. While nothing is known of his childhood, education, or of his training in sculpture, it is assumed that around 1400 he began learning stone carving from one of the sculptors working for the cathedral of Florence. It has been established that at the age of seventeen, he met, learned from, and worked for Lorenzo Ghiberti, a noted sculptor in bronze (47).
             Donatello's career may be divided into three periods. The first being the years before 1425, when his work was influenced by Gothic sculpture. As seen in his marble St. Mark Donatello used techniques that were exclusive to the Gothic style. One of his most noted masterpieces, St. George, seems to actually emerge, almost separated from the building.
             The second period (years 1425-1443) is characterized by the use of models and principles of the sculpture of antiquity. Donatello was influenced and inspired by Michelozzo. Michelozzo was an architect and sculptor from Florentine. He worked with Donatello on a number of projects including the monument to Bartolomeo Aragazzi. In their joint work Michelozzo helped in the making of the architectural designs and bronze castings, while D...