Was Donatello a painter?
Yes. In 1412, when he was about 26 years old, Donatello joined the artists’ Guild of St Luke, and was described as Pictor, or painter. Throughout his ensuing artistic career, he was known to direct his students, “Draw: that is the whole foundation of sculpture.” And long after his death in 1466, he was praised by the multi-talented Benvenuto Cellini as a successful painter. So, like Michelangelo, Donatello was both painter and sculptor. But unlike Michelangelo, he became known only for his sculptures. For a stained glass window design has become the main indication of his other artistic skills as a painter.
