During the Early renaissance of the 15th century in Italy, there was an increase in the development of the mechanical and liberal arts. There was also a spread of knowledge due to in part by the printing press. In Florance during this time, the bankers and merchants controlled the government. Here there was a competition for the door of the Baptistry. Brunelleschi and Ghiberti both made entries. Each one depicted the sacrifice of Issac and where similar in many aspects. They both depicted an angle, knife, Abraham, Issac, and a goat. Some differences include the greater dramatization in Ghibertis work due to the different moment he depicts. Also, Ghiberti’s work is casted in one piece. This led to Ghiberti winning this competition.
Brunelleschi went on to work on the Dome of Santa Monica del Fiore. The dome was built with a double shell. On top are a lot of significant details including a sphere that represents the world. On top the sphere is a cross signifying the church’s power and presence. This building also includes other symbolic details such as the rectangles decorating the sides which have a 2 to 1 ratio of high to width. These symbolize relationships. This makes me curious about what Ghiberti would have created if he had lost and had not then dedicated a significant portion of his life to that project. For instance, how would he have created the Dome of Santa Monica del Fiore differently than Brunelleschi.