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
