Desiderio da Settignano was probably the most promising sculptor among the followers of Donatello. He adopted the technique of very low relief (rilievo schiacciato) which had been invented by Donatello, but Desiderio used it for purposes of extreme delicacy of effect quite different from the heroic style of Donatello.

Desiderio's sensitive treatment of women and children is best seen in his busts: examples are in Berlin, Florence (Bargello), London (V&A), Paris (Louvre), Philadelphia, Toledo Ohio and Washington (NG). His major monumental work is the tomb of Carlo Marsuppini (d.1453) in Sta Croce, Florence, which derives from Donatello and the Rossellini.

Source: The Penguin Dictionary of Art and Artists (Penguin Reference Books)