Cantoria

   A choir gallery in a church. Both Luca della Robbia and Donatello created cantorie for the Cathedral of Florence (both now in Florence, Museo dell' Opera del Duomo). Della Robbia's, executed in 1431-1438, was originally meant for above the door to the cathedral's north sacristy. It contains eight reliefs with youths singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. All of Psalm 150, which speaks of praising the Lord through dance and music, is inscribed in its front. Donatello created his in the 1430s-1440s and it was placed above the entrance to the cathedral's south sacristy. It features putti holding wreaths and running behind columns, as well as a mosaic background for a sparkling surface effect. Both artists were inspired by ancient Roman reliefs, and both depicted figures engaged in celebration. Yet, while della Robbia's figures feature sweet expressions, are contained in separate fields, and maintain their decorum, Donatello's are caught in a frenzy, their physiognomies exaggerated and distorted for greater emotive content.