The Gates of Paradise
A Masterpiece Unleashing Heavenly Marvels
Hello again, art aficionados! Today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of Lorenzo Ghiberti and his awe-inspiring masterpiece, the Gates of Paradise. These iconic bronze doors (made between 1425 and 1452) have captivated the hearts and minds of countless admirers for centuries, leaving a lasting impression on art enthusiasts around the globe. So, please grab a cup of your favourite brew, settle in, and let’s unravel the beauty, craftsmanship, and stories behind these heavenly gates!
An unusual name
These gates were designed for the north entrance of the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence. Although, upon their completion, they were installed at the east entrance. You might ask yourself, why such a name?
Well, it was good old Michelangelo — despite not having participated in the works — who inspired the name. According to Vasari’s chronicles, in front of the two bronze doors, he said:
“They are so beautiful that they would look good at the gates of Paradise”.
The work
Now, I have a confession to make. In the pictures above if you haven’t noticed yet…… it’s not the real work! It is a copy ordered by Queen Victoria for the Weston Cast court in London, done with the electroplating technique by Messrs Franchi & Sons in London in about 1867.
Feel fooled? Well, I was testing your attention, so here's the original in Florence below!
Amazing aren’t they? What sets apart these doors is the incredible skill and artistry with which Ghiberti worked with bronze. The doors fully gold gilded, measure over 5 meters in height and consist of ten panels, each intricately embellished with scenes from the Old Testament. Ghiberti’s innovative use of perspective and his ability to capture emotions in the figures showcased his mastery of the medium.
Step closer, and you’ll find yourself transported into a world of biblical narratives, skillfully brought to life by the chisel. The panels narrate stories from the Book of Genesis, including iconic moments such as the Creation of Adam and Eve, the Sacrifice of Isaac, and the story of Joseph (Picture below).
From this relief, you can also note how the figures are more 3D towards us, and more squashed/drawn as you go in. This is to create the illusion of depth, a wonderful technique that will evolve in the “Stiacciato” with Donatello.
Legacy and Restoration
Despite surviving the ravages of time, the Gates of Paradise faced their share of challenges. In the mid-16th century, they were damaged during the flood that swept through Florence. However, through meticulous restoration efforts and the dedication of passionate art enthusiasts, the doors were restored to their former glory.
So... I have to apologize again! The one above is not the original either! It is a copy made to stay in central Florence while the original now sits indoors, inside the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore. This was substituted in 1990, to preserve the panels after over five hundred years of exposure and damage.
Conclusion and notes from me
Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise stand as an awe-inspiring testament to the power of art to transcend time and touch the depths of our souls. Through the skilful use of bronze and his mastery of storytelling, he created a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and captivate. So, if you ever find yourself in Florence or London, make sure to see it.
Also don’t forget that he was one of the teachers of Donatello, of whom I wrote an article here!
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Thank you and see you next, bye-bye!
P.S. If you have questions, don’t feel shy and leave a comment, I’ll answer you to the best of my abilities :)
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