Donatello, Niccolo da Uzzano, 1430, Bargello, Firenze

Speranza




Exceptionally lifelike, the bust (originallyi n polychrome terra cotta) was long attributed to Donatello.

This attribution has now been contested, but no one has contested the fact that it is a masterpiece.

It reflects brilliantly the great Roman portrait tradition, itself born of Etruscan art.

Niccolo da Uzzano attempted to prevent the Medicis seizing power, and nearly succeeded.

A mameber of the merchant oligarchy, who held the reins of command in the Florentine republic during the last quarter of the 14th century and whose authority was imperilled by the Medicis, he became its most esteemed advisor.

The intelligence shown in his face led him never to make a frontal attack on an adversary who had enlisted popular support.

By skillful maneuvreing he managed to check the progress of the Medicis, but after his death his counsels of moderation were forgotten.