Lorenzo Ghiberti: Biblical narratives in bronze

Lorenzo Ghiberti

Lorenzo Ghiberti was a Florentine Renaissance sculptor whose bronze doors for the Baptistery of San Giovanni gave monumental form to biblical narratives. In the Gates of Paradise, made between 1425 and 1452, ten large panels present stories from the Old Testament. Ghiberti combined prominent foreground figures with shallow background relief and architectural perspective, creating an impression of space within a bronze surface. Gilding catches the light across figures, landscape and ornament. His work connects the precision of metalworking with ambitious narrative composition, showing how sculpture could convey several episodes through carefully organised groups rather than a single isolated figure.

Lorenzo Ghiberti:Gates of Paradise

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Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise — Florence, Italy 🇮🇹 These gilded bronze doors were made for the east façade of the Baptistery of San Giovanni (facing the Duomo) and completed in 1425–1452. They feature 10 panels depicting Old Testament scenes, designed with incredible depth and perspective to feel almost like sculpture and painting. Today, the originals are preserved in the Opera del Duomo Museum—the doors outside are replicas to protect them.

Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise — Florence, Italy 🇮🇹 These gilded bronze doors were made for the east façade of the Baptistery of San Giovanni (facing the Duomo) and completed in 1425–1452. They feature 10 panels depicting Old Testament scenes, designed with incredible depth and perspective to feel almost like sculpture and painting. Today, the originals are preserved in the Opera del Duomo Museum—the doors outside are replicas to protect them.

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