The Gates of Paradise

Lorenzo Ghiberti, the acclaimed artist of "The Gates of Paradise," established an important connection between modern reasoning and art with the creation of his most renown art piece. Being one of his most influential pieces "The Gates of Paradise," are baptistry doors that receive their name for the ten old testament stories that were realistically molded out of bronze for the door's panels. Commissioned in 1425 for the Florence Baptistry, the doors have been established as unique for their incredibly detailed and realistic style of art. Despite the often ambiguous and idealistic characteristics of the art of Lorenzo's time, the low and high reliefs of the doors strive for much more practical and life-like detail. In addition, when considering the location they were built for, a Florentine Romanesque style religious building, the gates can be considered even more revolutionary. From the incorporation of realism into a religious establishment, it is evident that a very shift in ideals has occurred. Lorenzo's Gates were inspired by Ibu Al-Haytham's work, a series of texts promoting reasoning and logic that was not supported by the church of the time. Yet, the very art pieces that strive for Al-Haytham's ideals, were accepted and commissioned by religious officials. Among many artist's samples, several religious judges were to pick one style they saw fit for the baptistry. They just happened to select Lorenzo's realistic high relief of Adam and Eve.

The stories and the sequence they were placed in upon the doors show a clear blending of styles, utilizing both reason and old testament stories. The first story from the top relief is that of Adam and Eve as well as the creation and fall of man. Adjacent to it is the accompanying story of Cain and Abel, showing the malice of humanity. The next two reliefs below symbolize the stories of Noah and Abraham. One telling of God's triffle with man, the other his embrace of man. The fifth and sixth reliefs tell of Isaac and Joseph's contributions. Next, the reliefs of Moses and Joshua depict the triumph of their faith and religion over others. Lastly, the ninth and tenth reliefs present the stories of David and Solomon, and how they preserved their religion. Throughout all the pairs of the reliefs, it appears that there is some sort of thematic, as well as chronological organization to them.