Lorenzo Ghiberti

Lorenzo Ghiberti, the "Golden" Ghiberti, sculpted his way to fame during the Early Renaissance with a style defined by grace, naturalism, and classical elegance. Think of him as the artist who brought golden, life-like figures into relief sculpture.

Here's the key:

• Elegant Naturalism: Ghiberti wasn't just copying nature; he was elevating it. His figures are idealized with beautiful proportions and flowing drapery.
• Perspective and Depth: He mastered the use of linear perspective in relief sculpture, creating a convincing sense of depth and space within his panels.
• Classical Influence: A deep appreciation for classical art is evident in his work, borrowing poses, compositions, and even entire figures from Roman sculpture.

His most famous work, the Gates of Paradise on the Florence Baptistery, perfectly illustrates this, earning him praise as one of the most important artists of the era.