Battistero di San Giovanni
| It was recorded that Filippo Brunelleschi (who designed the famous Florence Cathedral's dome) experimented on linear perspective at the Duomo's main door (shown at the bottom right in this image), while facing the Baptistery, and demonstrated his groundbreaking understanding of perspective. Using a painted panel and a mirror, he precisely replicated the Baptistery's view, establishing the principles of vanishing points and converging lines. This experiment marked the first known demonstration of accurate linear perspective in Western art, profoundly influencing Renaissance painting and architectural design. |
East doors (“Gates of Paradise” and "Baptism of Christ")
| The sculptures above the Gates of Paradise were commissioned during the Renaissance: Baptism of Christ begun by Andrea Sansovino in 1505 (Baptist), continued by Vincenzo Danti in 1568-1569 (Christ), and completed by Innocenzo Spinazzi in 1792 (angel). The doors currently installed at the Baptistery are copies of the originals that are preserved in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. |
Original "Gates of Paradise" (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo)
| The Gates of Paradise (east doors) are a masterpiece of Early Renaissance sculpture. Created by Lorenzo Ghiberti between 1425 and 1452, they were commissioned after his successful completion of the north doors (see below). The gates consist of ten gilded bronze panels depicting Old Testament scenes, surrounded by intricate framework. Michelangelo reportedly dubbed them the "Gates of Paradise" for their beauty. These doors represent a pivotal moment in art history, showcasing innovative techniques in perspective and narrative composition. They exemplify the transition from Gothic to Renaissance style and remain one of Florence's most celebrated artistic treasures. Currently this original set is part of the exhibition at Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. |
North Doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo)
| Lorenzo Ghiberti's north doors of the Florence Baptistery, completed in 1424, mark a significant milestone in Renaissance art. Commissioned after winning a competition in 1401, Ghiberti spent over two decades crafting 28 bronze panels depicting scenes from the New Testament. These doors showcase the transition from Gothic to Renaissance style, featuring innovative techniques in perspective and naturalistic representation. Their success led to Ghiberti's commission for the famous east doors, known as the "Gates of Paradise" (see above). The north doors exemplify the early Renaissance's focus on realism and classical influence, setting a new standard for sculptural artistry in Florence. This original set is also at Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. |
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