St. Mark's form is not characteristic of what might be called 20th century realism -- the old man is not wrinkled, and his body, although not as powerful as Michelangelo's David or ancient Greek statues of Olympic athletes and gods, is not withered or bent with infirmity. Mark represents spiritual and moral strength. The folds of his gown suggest his inverted hip position, but there is still elegance in the way he moves. This was radical during Donatello's day -- in contrast to the era immediately...

Mark, human beings were often shown in fallen, twisted, and hideous ways, to indicate the morally bankrupt state of Man. In the form of St. Mark, a mortal who became a great saint, who clutches the life-giving Gospel that bears his authorship in his hand, his perfect, yet clearly individualized state of being celebrates the human condition. He is old but his authorship of the gospel as well as his physical perfection is testimony to his spiritual perfection.