In 1401, young sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti won an Italian competition to decorate the doors of the city church in Florence. For his masterpiece, he created various biblical scenes.
Florentine Italian Artist
Trained as a goldsmith, Ghiberti worked relentlessly on the great Baptistry doors in Florence. The first set of doors was completed 20 years after they began work. Legend states that Michelangelo later commented on the great work of Ghiberti, "They are worthy to stand at the Gates of Paradise."
He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.
- Revelation 2:7
Here is a diagram of the 10 scenes Ghiberti sculpted on the East doors of the Florentine baptistery.
Lorenzo Ghiberti (left) and his son Vittorio (right)
The art history of the Florentine baptistery East doors is expounded in this Khan Academy production.
Click the icon to watch an 8:31 video
