Statue of St. George in Orsanmichele, Florence 1416

Donatello carved this marble statue of St. George in Florence, Italy, at some point in the early 15th century. St. George was the patron saint of armorers, and this statue was commissioned by that guild for one of the exterior niches at Orsanmichele. The guilds of Florence were powerful institutions, wielding considerable economic and political influence. Statues such as this were more than just devotional objects; they were potent symbols of civic pride and group identity. The commission of artworks like this one helped the guilds publicly assert their presence within the urban landscape of Florence, as well as contribute to the city's overall artistic beautification. For art historians, guild records, municipal archives, and contemporary chronicles are invaluable resources to learn more about the context of this statue and its creation. These help us understand the motivations behind the commission, the artistic choices Donatello made, and the statue's reception by the public. Examining art in its original social and institutional context is crucial to understanding its historical significance.