Gates of Paradise

Lorenzo Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise
Picture taken by Cava Hadikusumo

When the Merchants' Guild and the Signoria of Florence decided to build the doors for the east entrance of the Baptistery of San Giovanni, they held a competition inviting all the greatest masters in Italy. The consuls of the guild chose Filippo di Ser Brunellesco, Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Jacopo della Quercia, Niccolo d'Arezzo, Francesco di Valdambrino, and Simone da Colle to produce a bronze panel to submit in the competition. They would receive a salary, and were given a year to produce a scene in bronze as a sample of their skill. The chosen scene was the story of Abraham sacrificing his son, Isaac. While most of the artists kept their projects a secret, Lorenzo showed the townspeople his models and asked for their opinion. Thirty-four painters, sculptors, and goldsmiths were summoned by the consul to judge the competition. The judges awarded the commission to Lorenzo for his beautiful design and composition, and the lively and graceful poses of his figures. Lorenzo was recognized and highly praised by his fellow citizens, indicating the increasing importance of fame and individual achievement in Quattrocento Italy. Lorenzo continued to receive many commissions after completing the doors. His skill was so renowned that the Merchants' Guild decided to commission him to do the third set of doors for the Baptistery of San Giovanni. Michelangelo described the doors as “so beautiful that they would do nicely at the entrance to Paradise.” Lorenzo worked on the two sets of doors for a total of forty-nine years.