Sculptuur van Sint Joris naar Donatello in de Orsanmichele te Florence, Italië 1857 - 1900

This photograph by Fratelli Alinari captures Donatello’s sculpture of Saint George in Florence. Originally commissioned for the Orsanmichele, this early 15th-century marble statue reflects a pivotal moment in Florentine history, amidst the rise of powerful guilds. Here, Saint George isn’t just a religious icon but a symbol of the armorer's guild, embodying values of strength, protection, and civic duty. The statue, with its classical influences and realistic depiction, marks a shift from medieval to Renaissance aesthetics, mirroring Florence's burgeoning humanist ideals. Donatello’s work also subtly critiques the existing social hierarchy by elevating the status of the guilds through art. It reminds us that art is not created in a vacuum, it is shaped by political and economic structures. To truly appreciate this sculpture’s significance, historians often consult guild records, political documents, and art inventories. These resources provide a deeper understanding of the complex social and institutional forces that influenced both the creation and reception of Donatello's Saint George.