the extraordinary difference in Davids execution from Donatellos other works has left many unanswered questions for art historians.Historians have narrowed Davids year of creation to 1425-1430. The supporting evidence is found in another, lesser known, work of Donatellos executed during this time period, a small sculpture of the Virgin Mary with angels at her side, found in the Sta. Croce Tabernacle in Florence, Italy. There are many powerful similarities in the ornamental repertory between David and the Virgin Mary sculpture. The first lies in the sharply defined scales or feathers that are all over the pilasters of the piece at Sta. Croce. They are also found on the sword in Davids right hand, and on the neck guard of Goliaths helmet. Another similarity is the placement of a scroll-and-palmetto ornament on both the angels sleeves of the Sta. Croce sculpture, and on the upper part of Davids boots. There are also identical tendrils on the background paneling of the tabernacle and on the ornamental compartments of Goliaths helmet. In addition to the tendrils, the short, vertical flutings found on the open-toe edge of Davids sandal and the neck-guard of Goliaths helmet are also on the carved base of the Sta. Croce sculpture and on the Virgins mantle and sandals. Another similarity linking David to the late 1420s/early 1430s is found in the winged wreath found on the Sta. Croce sculpture. It is very similar to the garland on Davids hat and to the wings on Goliaths helmet (Janson 84). Other than ornamentation, there is also a similarity in classicist style. By allowing for differences in technique and overall style, the same facial structure exists in David and the Virgin Mary, as well as the faces of the mourning angels. All of these similarities place David in 1425-1430, adding to the mystery of Donatellos brief return to a somewhat classical, and absolutely different, style of sculpture.Throughout his life, Donatello produ...
