The Rivalry of Brunelleschi & Ghiberti

A Renaissance Man

Filipo Brunelleschi Trained as a

goldsmith and sculptor.

Became an artist and architect.

His Rivalry with Ghiberti

Brunelleschi lost a competition in 1401 to create doors for Florence’s baptistery.

His Rivalry with Ghiberti

Ghiberti devoted 49 years of his life to carving the doors.

Sacrifice of IsaacContest Entries for Baptistery Doors

Brunelleschi Ghiberti

Ghiberti – Gates of ParadiseBaptistery Door, Florence

Inventing Perspective

Brunelleschi’s discovery came from studying architecture.

His realistic images helped him win contracts and became the basis for our blue prints today.

Brunelleschi’s Demonstration

The Duomo

The Duomo

Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo).

The building was constructed prior to a solution being found for the dome.

In 1418 Brunelleschi and Ghiberti once again competed for the job.

This time Brunelleschi won.

The Duomo

The width of the base allowed space for two domes to be built.

This reduced the weight greatly.

The inner dome was of self-supporting herringboned brick.

The Duomo

The outer dome was secured with massive chains.

The Duomo

The Duomo

The Duomo

The completed structure immortalized Brunelleschi and Florence.