Erasmo of Narni

Erasmo da Narni, called Gattamelata or Gattamelà (* 1370 in Narni, † January 16, 1443 in Padua ) was an Italian condottieri, who started as a butcher boy in his birthplace Narni. The nickname " Gattamelata " ( spotted cat ) alludes to the alleged deviousness of the dreaded Venetian mercenary leader.

Gattamelata began his mercenary career with Braccio da Montone, the Pope and the city of Florence was equally supported Venice in 1434 in the battles against the Visconti of Milan, and was in 1437 in Padua dictator. Donatello immortalized him in 1447 in Padua by a bronze sculpture, the first cast in the monumental size equestrian statue since ancient times.