On This Day December 1st 1455 Lorenzo Ghiberti Died

When he exactly was born in 1378 is unknown, but we do know that today, December 1st, 1455, was the day Lorenzo Gibetti died at the age of 77. 48 of those years were dedicated to the construction of the two doors he made for the Florentine baptistry. He was in competition with none other than Brunelleschi to win the commission to make the north doors. Lorenzo won in 1401 and made a door with 28 quarter foils with scenes from the New Testament. After this door was finished in 1424, there was no question who would make the doors for the east side. These doors took 27 years to construct. They were soon named the Gates of Paradise, and they are Gibetti's absolute masterpiece. The doors contain 10 scenes from the New Testament, from Adam and Eve to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Like many great artists before and after him, he was buried in the Church of Santa Croce. Lorenzo Gibetti. Florence will forever be proud of him and his legacy.