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(2) Vittorio Ghiberti I
(b Florence 1418 or 1419; d Florence 1496). Bronze-caster and sculptor, son of (1) Lorenzo Ghiberti. His birthdate is given differently on two of Lorenzo’s tax declarations (9 July 1427 and 26 Jan 1431). He no doubt served his apprenticeship in his father’s workshop. In 1437 he is mentioned as assistant to his father on the Gates of Paradise at the handsome salary of 100 gold florins per annum. In the ensuing years he seems to have become his father’s partner. On 24 January 1444 he signed, on the latter’s behalf, the contract engaging Benozzo Gozzoli as an assistant; and from 1451 he is always mentioned together with his father in the documents relating to final work on the doors. His head is portrayed next to his father’s, on the right-hand central framing strip of the Gates of Paradise at the level of the inscription (see (1) above). On 12 February 1453 Lorenzo and Vittorio received the commission for the bronze frame of Andrea Pisano’s door, which Vittorio apparently executed himself. It was completed between 1462 and 1464, and payments for it are recorded only after Lorenzo’s death, the first being in April 1456. Although Vittorio lived until 1496, nothing is known of further works by him. His personal style can be judged only by the frame of the Pisano door. The floral details stand out boldly from the relief ground, and the softer modelling of the Gates of Paradise, for instance, gives way to pointed, angular forms. The figures of Adam and Eve are distinguished by elongation and an emphasis on anatomical detail rather than regard for the general effect. Beauty of line gives place to affectation and refinement.
Part of the Ghiberti family
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- Ghiberti, Vittorio, I (1418/19-1496)
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