Donatello a Padova: l'attività nella basilica di Sant'Antonio. Le registrazioni contabili dell'Archivio dell'Arca

Donatello's stay in Padua in the mid-15th century left primary works of art in the Basilica of Sant'Antonio in Padua. These include the bronze Crucifix, which was originally placed on the rood screen separating the main nave from the presbytery, and the main altar. The works were commissioned by the "Arca del Santo," an institution composed of Paduan citizens and friars responsible for managing the offerings of the faithful and pilgrims, as well as attending to the various needs of the church and the friary. Donatello's main altar was demolished around the end of the 15th century, and we do not have precise documentation regarding its form. However, seven bronze statues have survived (the Virgin with Child, and the Saints Anthony, Prosdocimus, Justina, Daniel, Francis, and Ludovico), along with four bronze reliefs depicting miracles of St Anthony, the four symbols of the evangelists, and a splendid bronze "Vir dolorum." These artworks, along with a poignant Deposition in a stone sepulcher, are now displayed on the current main altar, which was installed at the end of the 19th century. The archive of the "Arca di S. Antonio" preserves the accounting documents related to the construction of the main altar. Their complete transcription now allows us to better understand how the construction site was organized. The casting of the bronze sculptures was the first task undertaken by Donatello and his Florentine assistants. Subsequently, they worked on the construction of the stone altar. It is possible that Donatello was initially entrusted with creating a carved altarpiece for the existing main altar. However, as the work progressed, it became evident that the Renaissance innovation of the Florentine master required new structures. Perhaps not only the altar but also the presbytery space was reconsidered and made more suitable to accommodate Donatello's work, although the construction of the presbytery enclosure continued until the end of the 15th century.