Lorenzo Ghiberti was an Italian Renaissance sculptor best known for creating the bronze doors of the Baptistery of Florence, also known as the Gates of Paradise. Born in Pelago, Italy in 1378, Ghiberti initially trained under his stepfather Bartoluccio as a goldsmith. He eventually became a respected master in bronze sculpture, which was an expensive and highly valued medium at the time.
Among his greatest works are the aforementioned Gates of Paradise for the Baptistery of Florence. These doors feature ten large rectangular reliefs depicting scenes from the Old Testament between figurative panels. Each wing contains five reliefs and took Ghiberti over 27 years to complete.
In addition to his work as a sculptor, Ghiberti was also a painter and metalworker. He established a renowned workshop for sculpture in metal and became one of the key figures in Early Renaissance art. Today, many consider him one of the greatest artists of Italian art in Quattrocento period.
All Lorenzo Ghiberti Artwork on Artchive
Artwork Name | Year | Medium |
---|---|---|
The Gates of Paradise (East Door) | 1425-52 | Bronze with gilding |
Detail from the Gates of Paradise (East Door) | 1425-52 | Bronze with gilding |