Why did Lorenzo Ghiberti take 10 years to finish the Siena baptismal-font reliefs?

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Bronze self-portrait of Lorenzo Ghiberti in relief, set within ornate floral and geometric decoration on the Gates of Paradise at the Florence Baptistery. — Lorenzo Ghiberti Self-portrait by Lorenzo Ghiberti, detail from *Gates of Paradise*, 1425–52; gilded bronze doors formerly on the east side of the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence, and now on display in Opera del Duomo Museum, Florence.

Lorenzo Ghiberti took 10 years to complete the bronze reliefs for the Siena cathedral baptismal font because he was extremely busy with numerous other professional commitments.1

During this period, Ghiberti managed a flourishing workshop and was heavily involved in several major projects, including his work on the Florence Baptistery doors and the creation of large bronze statues for Orsanmichele, such as the St. Matthew and St. Stephen. Due to these competing demands, he only finished the Sienese reliefs after facing pressure from the local authorities.1