Donatello - The First Modern Sculptor

Rating:
Summary: A genius
Review: Charles Avery is perhaps one of the best art historians today. His biography of Donatello is an endearing book. Since he wrote the script, it will be of no surprise that this DVD is a treasure. Donatello was a charismatic character, precursor of all the greatest artists including painters and sculptors who lived during his time. To be able to see all of Donatello's works in one sitting is Charles Avery's gift to the arts and to humanity.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Having been to Florence several times over the past few years and gained an appreciation of Donatello's work (especially his wonderful statue of Mary Magdalene), I was looking forward to viewing this DVD. Unfortunately, it proved disappointing. The photography is subpar (partially because many of the statues carried the accumulated grime of centuries, but also due to unimaginative framing), the commentary pedestrian.

Donatello was one of the geniuses of the Renaissance; he deserves better than this.