What were sculptors like during the Renaissance?

Question

For my social studies project.

Answer 1

If you want to know about sculptors (i.e. the artists who made sculptures), take a look at the autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini, one of the most famous Renaissance sculptors. His autobiography is a really fun read, and widely available in English. There are several cheap paperback translations available. It would be a nice thing for your social studies project because it gives you a perspective on life in Renaissance Italy, as well as on the practice of sculpture and one man's own self-image. If you want to know about sculptures, take a look at information on the leading Florentine and other Italian sculptors to get a sense of the trajectory of their work over time - for instance, compare Donatello (early-mid 15th century), with Michelangelo and his contemporaries and followers, like Cellini, Giambologna, and Baccio Bandinelli.

Answer 2

Sculptors? Those are the guys who made the statues. From what I've read, they were a contentious, unpleasant lot.

If you meant to ask about sculptures--the statues themselves--then:

1) Highly naturalistic--every part was in proportion and anatomically correct.
2) Classic in form; usually in a contrapossto pose (one leg holds all the weight of the figure and the other leg is slightly bend to provide balance. Makes the statue look like it's moving.)
3. Technically beautiful, highly polished work of beautiful stone.
4. Thematically, Christian or Pagan (from the Roman empire's paganism) or a mix of the two. Less often but still common: a hero, a ruler, or a wealthy person.

Answer 3

Research both Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonaroti. They were the best known and stand out the most for their personalities. There are others, but they would be harder to research. There is a book by an artist by the name of Vasari who knew them both personally if you can find it in the library, or at alibris.com. Brand new it cost me about $7, it's paperback.