Arnolfo di Cambio's Sculptural Project for the Duomo Facade in Florence: A Study in Style and Context

Key pieces of figure sculpture by Arnolfo di Cambio and his workshop survive from the first project for the facade of S. Maria del Fiore in Florence, begun in the mid-1290's but left unfinished at Arnolfo's death in 1302/10. This study reevaluates the material related to this project and examines in depth the style of the sculpture. The author first reviews the few facts known about the project, briefly examines architectural design, refines previous suggestions concerning the sculpture included in the group and its placement, and discusses the diverse sources that inspired the arrangement of the sculpture on the facade. The iconography is shown to be a succinct Marian program expressed in images evincing greater depth of feeling than was usual in the traditional scenes represented. A discussion of the development of Arnolfo's style at Florence is based on a sequential ordering of the figures most likely to be autograph Arnolfo. The final sections discuss the Duomo facade sculpture in the context of Arnolfo's earlier career through the exploration of some of the most important influences on his work, namely, the sculpture of Nicola Pisano, ancient Rome, and thirteenth century France. The early, heroic style of Nicola Pisano is discussed as influential in Arnolfo's development of a style suitable for the large-scale project at Florence. Experience as a discipulus of Nicola Pisano stimulated Arnolfo's interest in the sculpture of both ancient Rome and Gothic France. The study considers how Arnolfo's interest in antique sculpture changed during his career, and the strong classicism of the sculpture by Arnolfo and his workshop in Florence is discussed in the context of Florentine taste. The last chapter demonstrates that northern Gothic sculpture was an important influence throughout Arnolfo's career, not just in the earlier parts as some authors have suggested. The Duomo facade sculpture is shown to be the work of a versatile artist, mindful of the expectations of his audience and fascinated by art both of his own time and of the past.