Ghiberti Comes to America

Lorenzo Ghiberti is an important historical figure in the world of art. His work in the early 1400s, both in sculpture and in writing would profoundly influence the artists of the later High Renaissance. Observers can see his influence carried over in the work of one of his most outstanding students, Donatello (who's Marble Statue of David reveals a debt to his teacher).

Ghiberti's most well known work is the enormous set of bronze doors on the baptistery in Florence, which Michaelangelo called the "doors to paradise". Among his other works, however, were three bronze statues of saints, Matthew, Stephen, and John the Baptist. The St. Matthew Statue has now been brought to the United States, which makes the first appearance of a Ghiberti work in the U.S. It has been so well received that it is making a longer stay than the National Gallery of Art, in Washington D.C. , had originally planned. I wish that I could go see this piece but I, alas, I cannot. Nonetheless I recommend that should any of you have the chance to see this remarkable peice of bronze casting and historic artwork that you take that oppurtunity. It will be well worth your time and money. Check out the link to NGA under "Top Articles".