Synopses & Reviews
In 1452, Florentine sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti unveiled a masterpiece that had been a quarter-century in the making: ten bronze panels depicting intricate scenes from the Old Testament. The monumental gilded bronze doors (each more than 15 feet tall) were designed for the Baptistery in the Piazza del Duomo in Florence. Centuries of admirers have considered and#147;The Gates of Paradiseand#8221; one of the great masterworks of Western art.
and#160;
This extensively illustrated book displays the full glory and elaborate details of many of the newly restored bronze panels, theand#160;extraordinary work of the conservators and restorers who cleaned the priceless doors. In a series of fascinating chapters, expert contributors capture Ghibertiand#8217;s world, his remarkable talent at representing human emotion in rich illusionistic settings, the relationships between Renaissance patrons and artists, and the collaborations and rivalries among artists. Other chapters explore the challenging craft of bronze sculpture, Ghibertiand#8217;s casting and finishing techniques, and the painstaking process involved in documenting and restoring the treasured doors. A chronology of Ghibertiand#8217;s life completes this lavishly produced volume.and#160;and#160;and#160;
Synopsis
In 1452, Florentine sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti unveiled a masterpiece that had been a quarter-century in the making: ten bronze panels depicting intricate scenes from the Old Testament. The monumental gilded bronze doors (each more than 15 feet tall) were designed for the Baptistery in the Piazza del Duomo in Florence. Centuries of admirers have considered "The Gates of Paradise" one of the great masterworks of Western art.
This extensively illustrated book displays the full glory and elaborate details of many of the newly restored bronze panels, the extraordinary work of the conservators and restorers who cleaned the priceless doors. In a series of fascinating chapters, expert contributors capture Ghiberti's world, his remarkable talent at representing human emotion in rich illusionistic settings, the relationships between Renaissance patrons and artists, and the collaborations and rivalries among artists. Other chapters explore the challenging craft of bronze sculpture, Ghiberti's casting and finishing techniques, and the painstaking process involved in documenting and restoring the treasured doors. A chronology of Ghiberti's life completes this lavishly produced volume.
Synopsis
A rich account of the giant bronze doors so exquisite that Michelangelo proclaimed them suitable to serve as the "Gates of Paradise"
In 1452, Florentine sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti unveiled a masterpiece that had been a quarter-century in the making: ten bronze panels depicting intricate scenes from the Old Testament. The monumental gilded bronze doors (each more than 15 feet tall) were designed for the Baptistery in the Piazza del Duomo in Florence. Centuries of admirers have considered "The Gates of Paradise" one of the great masterworks of Western art. This extensively illustrated book displays the full glory and elaborate details of many of the newly restored bronze panels, the extraordinary work of the conservators and restorers who cleaned the priceless doors. In a series of fascinating chapters, expert contributors capture Ghiberti's world, his remarkable talent at representing human emotion in rich illusionistic settings, the relationships between Renaissance patrons and artists, and the collaborations and rivalries among artists. Other chapters explore the challenging craft of bronze sculpture, Ghiberti's casting and finishing techniques, and the painstaking process involved in documenting and restoring the treasured doors. A chronology of Ghiberti's life completes this lavishly produced volume.
Synopsis
This volume takes an insightful look at some of the masterpieces of the Florence Cathedral, reconnecting brilliant works of art and architecture with the musical program they originally supported.
Synopsis
Florence Cathedral, familiarly called Il Duomo, is an architectural masterpiece and home to celebrated works of art. The interrelationship between the brilliant art and architecture and the Cathedraland#8217;s musical program is explored in depth in this beautiful book. Perhaps the most beloved example is Luca della Robbiaand#8217;s sculptural program for the organ loft, comprising ten sculptural relief panels that depict children singing, dancing, and making music. Lucaand#8217;s charming sculptures are examined alongside luxurious illuminated manuscripts commissioned for musical performances. Essays by distinguished scholars provide new insights into the original function and meaning of Lucaand#8217;s sculptures; organs and organists during the 15th century; the roles played by women and girlsand#151;as well as men and boysand#151;in making music throughout Renaissance Florence; and the Cathedraland#8217;s illuminated choir books.and#160;
About the Author
Gary M. Radke is Deanand#8217;s Professor of the Humanities and professor of art history, Syracuse University.
Gabriele Giacomelli is director of the Florence Cathedral concert series.
Patrick Macey is professor of musicology, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester.
Marica S. Tacconi is professor of musicology and assistant director for research and graduate studies, Penn State School of Music.
Timothy Verdon is director of the Museo delland#8217;Opera del Duomo, Florence.