Ghiberti's St. Matthew ensemble at Orsanmichele: symbolism in proportion

Ghiberti's St. Matthew ensemble at Orsanmichele: symbolism in proportion

Through the analysis of the St. Matthew statue for Orsanmichele church and of its alcove, designed by Ghiberti himself, the article highlights the sculptor’s scientific, mathematical, geometric and philosphical knowledge. Several dymensional ratios are used between the different statue’s body parts, between the statue and the alcove, between the alcove and the church. Some of these ratios were commonly used (based on the Liber Abaci and similar medieval texts), others take inspiration from Pythagorean and Platonic music theories. The article proposes that this knowledge of classical science, that connects to the patristic interpretation of St. Matthew, may be Niccolò Niccoli’s suggestion to Ghiberti.

1976

in The art bullettin, vol. 58, n. 1, pagg. 36-44

Article

English

Francesco Calamai, 20/10/2020