Who was one of the main contributors to the early Renaissance in sculpture?

Donatello

Donatello, an Italian Renaissance sculptor, is renowned for reintroducing classical sculpting techniques, such as contrapposto, where the body's weight is borne by one leg, giving the statue a more dynamic and realistic appearance. His most famous work, the bronze David, is considered one of the first Renaissance statues to depict a male nude in a realistic manner. This statue not only marked a return to classical antiquity but also set new standards for the art of sculpture, profoundly influencing future generations of artists.