This is an electrotyped cast at London’s V&A of the second Baptistry door commissioned from Lorenzo Ghiberti for the Baptistry of the Florence Cathedral.
Lorenzo had already decorated the North doors of the city’s Baptistery. They were a sensation and lead to the second commission.
These were dubbed the “Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo - i.e. they were good enough to adorn the gates of paradise itself!
They are mind-blowing.
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Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise are made of gilded bronze.
The doors consists of ten large panels depicting scenes from the Old Testament.
The panels are surrounded by an ornate frame of statuettes and busts.
Yes, that's a door!
Have doors ever been so terrifying and soul-stirring?
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Busts
The second is supposed to be Lorenzo Ghiberti’s self-portrait.
Eyebrows raised?
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Panels
The biblical story of Jacob and Esau, and then Life of Joseph, the “Harvest of Wheat”.
Moses receiving the tables of the law, then the fall of Jericho.
David and Goliath, and then the meeting of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
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And me .... đ
Yes, aren't they something! And can there be any higher praise than Michelangelo's? Great photo of you in front of the London cast!
ReplyDeleteThey're spectacular, and a feat of unbelievable accomplishment.
DeleteLorenzo began working on the gates of paradise in 1425 when he was 47 years old. It took him 25 years to complete it so he would have been 74 years old when he finally rested.
Thanks for commenting Debra :)
Well you do look good in front of those doors. They sure are just ever so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say? They're just amazing.
ReplyDeleteExtraordinary detail! The original doors must have been really astonishing when first produced.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely breathtaking
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