Ghiberti´s homage to Brunelleschi - artistic rivalry in early 15th century Florence
Virtual Wednesday Lecture, on Zoom
by Angela Oberer
The competition for the bronze doors of the Florence Baptistery at the turn of the fifteenth century represents one of the most famous competitions between artists in the entire Western world.
Art historians and critics have discussed the competition panels by Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi for the last 400 years but there are some fascinating aspects that have remained unnoticed until today.
In his Commentarii Ghiberti proudly wrote: “Universally, the experts conceded to me the glory, without exception.” And he repeated: “Everyone felt I had surpassed the others in that time, without a single exception, after great consultation and examination by learned men.”
But was he equally convinced of his superiority?
Analyzing the competition panels one more time, we will discuss a fascinating case of artistic rivalry in early Renaissance Florence and change the ending of this world-famous story.
To join this lecture with Zoom (no reservation necessary), simply click on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88631567900?pwd=NHB3VkgxT0JiUjltbUxoSkVHUEwvdz09 at 18:00 on Wednesday 2nd June.
A recording of the virtual lecture will be published on our YouTube channel. Clicking on the link above, you authorise the British Institute of Florence to use your image, name and comments.