Orsanmichele
Quick Summary
The Orsanmichele, located in Florence, Italy, is a remarkable building with a rich history that spans from its origins as a loggia for a wheat market to its transformation into a church. Originally built by Arnolfo in 1290, it was later enclosed to become a church in 1380.1
Its most significant fame comes from its early 15th-century decoration, funded by Florence's major guilds. Each guild was responsible for commissioning a sculpture for one of the exterior tabernacles. Notable works include Ghiberti's bronze statues of St. John the Baptist and St. Matthew, and Donatello's marble sculptures of St. Mark and St. George. Michelozzo also collaborated on the "St. Matthew" for this church.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
DonatelloEarly careerā¦niches on the exterior of Orsanmichele, the church of Florentine guilds (St. George has been replaced by a copy; the original is now in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello). Here, for the first time since Classical antiquity and in striking contrast to medieval art, the human body is rendered asā¦
Read Moreā¦niches on the exterior of Orsanmichele, the church of Florentine guilds (St. George has been replaced by a copy; the original is now in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello). Here, for the first time since Classical antiquity and in striking contrast to medieval art, the human body is rendered asā¦
Read More
Lorenzo GhibertiGates of Paradise and early commissionsā¦of the guildsā communal building, Orsanmichele. The job was a bold undertaking, Ghibertiās first departure from goldsmith-scale work; it was, in fact, the first large bronze in Florence. Ghiberti successfully finished the St. John in 1416, adding gilding in the following year. The technical achievement and the modernity of itsā¦
Read Moreā¦of the guildsā communal building, Orsanmichele. The job was a bold undertaking, Ghibertiās first departure from goldsmith-scale work; it was, in fact, the first large bronze in Florence. Ghiberti successfully finished the St. John in 1416, adding gilding in the following year. The technical achievement and the modernity of itsā¦
Read More- Nanni di Banco
ā¦for the guilds of the Or San Michele in Florence. Of the latter, the āQuattro Coronatiā (āFour Crowned Saintsā; c. 1411ā13) is considered his masterpiece. Influenced by antique art, the four saints are dressed in firmly modeled Roman togas and have heads that strongly resemble the ancient portrait busts ofā¦
Read Moreā¦for the guilds of the Or San Michele in Florence. Of the latter, the āQuattro Coronatiā (āFour Crowned Saintsā; c. 1411ā13) is considered his masterpiece. Influenced by antique art, the four saints are dressed in firmly modeled Roman togas and have heads that strongly resemble the ancient portrait busts ofā¦
Read More - Andrea Orcagna
ā¦in the guild oratory of Or San Michele, of which he became superintending architect by 1356. This is a decorative structure of great complexity, supported on four octagonal piers and heavily encrusted with coloured inlay. Its principal sculptural features are, on the front and sides, a number of hexagonal reliefsā¦
Read Moreā¦in the guild oratory of Or San Michele, of which he became superintending architect by 1356. This is a decorative structure of great complexity, supported on four octagonal piers and heavily encrusted with coloured inlay. Its principal sculptural features are, on the front and sides, a number of hexagonal reliefsā¦
Read More