“Sculpture in the Age of Donatello” Premieres at the MOBIA, NYC
In a curatorial triumph, the Upper West Side’s Museum of Biblical Art (MOBIA) features 23 works of art by Renaissance masters from February 20 to June 14, 2015. “Sculpture in the Age of Donatello: Renaissance Masterpieces from the Florence Cathedral” includes pieces by Donatello, Brunelleschi, Nanni di Banco, Luca della Robbia and others who contributed to Florence’s Cathedral Il Duomo. This sole stop at MOBIA is the first international voyage for many of the pieces.
The exhibit features artwork that was commissioned in the last phase of Il Duomo’s construction during the first decades of the 15th century. The collection features three sculptural masterpieces by Donatello. Abraham and Isaac depicts the intense moment in which Abraham learns he will not have to kill his son. Saint John the Evangelist is a massive seven-foot sculpture created for the Duomo’s façade. It is displayed with its companion by di Banco, Saint Luke, both of which are believed to have never before left Florence. Finally, there is Donatello’s Lo Zuccone (Pumpkinhead), an expressive, gaunt masterpiece that the artist proclaimed of his best work, according to Renaissance art chronicler Vasari. He is quoted asking the lifelike Zuccone, “Speak then! Why wilt thou not speak?”
Another highlight of the show is Brunelleschi’s wood model of Il Duomo, including a four-foot replica of the entire building.
“Human creativity was almost unthinkable without this dimension of faith,” said Timothy Verdon, art historian and director of the art’s home, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. He is referring to the integral relationship between life and religion during the early Renaissance. MOBIA displays only religious art, making it a fitting destination for these works which contain religious subjects.
“We’re really excited that we are the sole, worldwide venue. It’s a game changer for us,” said MOBIA director Richard Townsend. The exhibition is expected to draw the largest crowd in the small museum’s history.
This exhibition is the heart of MOBIA’s 10th anniversary celebration and will be accompanied by public lectures, symposia, courses, seminars and concerts to further facilitate education on these seminal artworks.
The Italian Academy Foundation presents an exclusive viewing of the exhibition for members and friends on April 11, 2015.
-Amanda Sztein
