These are electrotype casts from the V&A of the (incredibly!) surviving panels of the two greats of Florence of the 15th century.
Lorenzo Ghiberti - as a young and little-known goldsmith - defeated Brunelleschi for the commission to build a new bronze door for the Baptistery in Florence in 1401.
Although Ghiberti claimed to have won, the judges awarded a joint commission. Brunelleschi refused and Ghiberti’s design still adorns the north side of the Baptistery.
Who do you think should have won?
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The Sacrifice of Isaac by Filippo Brunelleschi
I like the angel’s powerful grip of Abraham’s wrist at the climactic moment.
Though, there is something disjointed in Isaac’s head & posture. Moreover, the drama seems to be occluded by Abraham’s arm and sleeve. It feels like we’re excluded as he seems to block our vision.
The ram also seems to wandering of its own accord?
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The Sacrifice of Isaac by Lorenzo Ghiberti
For me, Ghiberti is the winner.
In this gilded-bronze sculpture, the angel hasn’t yet arrived. This is a critical difference. I think the anxiety and intensity of the horror is so much more forceful.
Isaac seems so much more vulnerable here, and I think we are made to feel included in this horror.
There is also ghastly determination in his father’s face.
I love the “erupting” or “popping out” of the angel Gabriel (?) from within the sculpture. The ram also seems to be hovering down the mountain towards the denouement. It all melds so well together.
I agree! I like Ghiberti's better too. The focus is on the unimaginable drama happening between father and son, showing the fear and confusion on Isaac's face and (as you say) the grim determination on Abraham's. Brunelleschi's focus is on the drama between the angel and Abraham, although it is a masterful depiction of intensity as they lock eyes and the angel stays Abraham's arm.
ReplyDeleteThese are just gorgeous pity we don't have them in our doors or whatever these days - cost too much I suppose.
ReplyDeleteExtremely costly! Ha
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