Product Review

Donatello (1386-1466) was one of Europe s greatest sculptors. His strong portrayal of human character and expressive style make his work as appealing today as it was revolutionary in his lifetime. Among the many examples included in this in-depth study of Donatello s achievements is a beautiful terra-cotta relief of the Madonna and Child. Neglected for many years, its quality was at last revealed during the filming of this documentary. It is only one of the many sculptures which can definitely be attributed to the artist. Three acclaimed modern sculptors who admire his work, Elisabeth Frink, Peter Rockwell and Henry Moore, describe the superb effects achieved by Donatello s individual and inventive techniques. For the first time since recent cleaning and restoration, many of his major sculptures can now be seen in all the brilliance of their color and detail. Shot on location in Florence, Siena, Venice, Padua and London, Few more completely satisfying arts documentaries can be imagined than Donatello. Directed by Ann Turner