ARNOLFO DI CAMBIO
(b. ca. 1245, Colle di Valdelse, d. ca. 1310, Firenze)

Tympanum of the central portal (fragments)

1296-1302
Marble
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence

In later life Arnolfo di Cambio returned to Florence (1296) and embarked on the ambitious project for the façade of the Duomo until his death. It is known from paintings, a drawing and descriptions, which show that Arnolfo's façade then rose only to the height of the tympanum of the central portal. The sculptures created c. 1300 for the façade of Florence Cathedral (now mainly in Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence, and Bodemuseum, Berlin) are well authenticated works.

The picture shows the group from the central portal of the Duomo. The enthroned Virgin is flanked by Santa Reparata (left) and San Zanobi (right).