Saint+George+at+the+Orsanmichele

= =

**__ By: Donatello​ __**


This sculpture by Donatello depicts Saint George, the dragon-slayer, who is the patron saint for the guild of armorers and swordmakers. For this guild the artist wanted to portray the proud idealism of youth. He did this by giving Saint George a bold firm stance. This was created by his legs being set apart with strongly planted feet. A twisted torso places the left shoulder forward, implying a challenging readiness. In times past, the figure wore a helmet and sword that were created by the guild; the sword stuck out from the niche, connecting the viewer and the saint. He is placed on the north side of the Orsanmichele building. The outside of Orsanmichele has fourteen niches that each hold a different sculpture by various artists. This building has contained a granary, the headquarters of the guilds, a church and Orcagna’s tabernacle. Each niche is adorned with the patron saint of each of the guilds. The sculptures that adorn the outside of this building are a celebration of the victory over King Ladislaus’ army, as well as a way for each guild to show its mportant position in Florence.

The base was carved after the death of Ladislaus in 1414, to symbolize the defeat of Ladislaus by the Florentines. The base depicts Saint George slaying the dragon with the princess waiting on the sidelines. (my) This relief is a sign of the next wave of Donatello’s career. It is the architecture of the piece that is so important in creating a pictorial illusion. The framework of the scene is proportional to the figures in the foreground. The use of graduation in the relief creates the feeling of an actual setting with depth. (Murray, 36)

This statue is located on the north face of the Orsanmichele building in Florence, Italy. When looking at the building facing south, it is on the far right. Starting at the Ponte Vecchio, walk north up Via Por Santa Maria. It bends slightly to the left and turns into Via Calimala. Take a right on Via Di’Lamberti and go one and a half blocks. Orsanmichele will be on your left.

The creation of this wiki was made possible by the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. This program offers scholarships for undergraduate study abroad programs. For more information on how you can apply for study abroad scholarships please visit the [|Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Home page].

__**Work Cited**__

Kleiner, Fred, Christin Mamiya, and Richard Tansey. //Gardner's Art Through the Ages//. Eleventh. Thompson Learning, 2001. 598. Print.

Murray, Peter, and Linda Murray. //The Art of the Renaissance//. Second. New York: Frederick A. Praeger, Inc., 1963. 35. Print.