European Renaissance
Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore: Detail from Porta della Mondorla
Description:
The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore was built over hundreds of years under the vision of multiple architects. The design began in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio, and then later continued under Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, and the artists who completed masterpieces for the Basilica’s interior. By the 15th century, the structure was still without its dome. The design for the dome (first drawn by Cambio) returned to a classical model, like the Roman Pantheon. The original facade of the cathedral as designed by Cambio, also attributed to Giotto, was only completed in its lower half. Later, in 1587, the facade was dismantled by the Medici court and left bare till around 1864 with a competition won by Emilio de Fabris. The facade took on a neo gothic style – white, red and green marble creating an elegant picture. Three, tall bronze doors provide entrances at the main portal beneath lunettes and a row of niches with all twelve apostles.
The cast is a detail from the second doorway on the north called the Porta della Mondorla in the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, also known as the Duomo. The Porta della Mondorla was designed by Niccolo d’ Arezzo c. 1408. The cast shows a small relief depicting women, children, and wildlife in a floral surrounding.
Period of Original: European Renaissance
Origin of Original: Florence, Italy
Location of the Cast: 20 W. 44 St. New York, NY USA
Provenance: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Condition: Only superficial damage to most of the cast, missing part of creature in the center, as well as discoloration. Cast has been thoroughly cleaned.
Additional Information:
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