Page "Donatello" Paragraph 17

For the Basilica of St. Anthony, Donatello created, most famously, the bronze Crucifix of 1444 – 1447 and additional statues for the choir, including a Madonna with Child and six saints, constituting a Holy Conversation, which is no longer visible since the renovation by Camillo Boito in 1895.

The Madonna with Child portrays the Child being displayed to the faithful, on a throne flanked by two sphinxes, allegorical figures of knowledge.

On the throne's back is a relief of Adam and Eve.

During this period — 1446 – 50 — Donatello also executed four extremely important reliefs with scenes from the life of St. Anthony for the high altar.