Virtually explore the Florence Baptistery with Smarthistory as your guide
videos + essays
Filippo Brunelleschi and Lorenzo Ghiberti, Sacrifice of Isaac
Brunelleschi’s panel may be scarier, but Ghiberti’s is more emotionally complex. In both, an angel saves the day.
Lorenzo Ghiberti, Gates of Paradise, East Doors of the Florence Baptistry
These gilded bronze doors are a masterpiece of clarity and illusionism. Space coheres, and figures move with ease.
