Saint George and the Princess

This work is an icon of the Renaissance that Donatello made for a commission from the Guild of armor makers, who wanted more prominence for weapons. It is one of the first examples of a central vanishing point perspective, which is why it is one of the most astonishing in the city. This relief is a work of Carrara marble that is currently kept in the Bargello Museum.

It is a sculpture from the Quattrocento, where Donatello, the author, reflects the chivalry of Saint George in a fine schiacciato, a technique used by artists of the time that allows the work to be reflected more like a painting than a sculpture. The Renaissance style is well reflected in the work, in addition the lines of the cape, the saint's armor and the open wings of the dragon are late Gothic style, capturing the viewer's attention. The construction, according to the central vanishing point, focuses attention on the figure of Saint George, who on a horse drives his spear into the monster. Meanwhile, on the left side is the princess praying for the hope of victory. Donatello used perspective here to highlight above all the center of the action, as if it were the same figures to generate the space.

This work achieved great fame, which was obscured by the statue of Saint George himself that was placed on top. This work is one of the oldest works of the central perspective technique, in accordance with the technique that Brunelleschi developed in the years of the time. Since 1976, the statue and the base have been together in the Bargello museum for better conservation, so, outside, we can find a bronze copy outside.