Chap. X. GHIBERTI’S GATES. 275 Ghiberti executed before the completion of his first gate, we may note in the bronze figure of S. John Evangelist of Orsanmichele, rigidity and hardness allied to progress in the mode of rendei’ing form; 1 in that of S. Stephen, 2 the same peculiarities with a nobler mien, yet with an undue sacrifice of the figure to copious festooned drapery; in that of S. Mathew, which Ghiberti claims to have produced, but for which Michelozzo, his assistant, received part payment, greater freedom of motion, better draperies and a more modern manner. 3 In 1424, the first gate of S. Giovanni was completed; and Ghiberti received the commission of the second, which remained in hand’ till 1452. 4 Its peculiar beauties and defects have been explained and commented by many, with indulgent favour by Rumobr, 5 with smaller approval by Sir Joshua Reynolds. It is not doubtful that the faults which characterized the first were repeated with interest in the second, and that Ghiberti finally substi tuted to the real laws of bas-relief a pictorial style which sought to increase the illusion of the spectator by the introduction of linear perspective. e We may admit the art with which the sculptor varied the planes on which his figures were placed; we may be charmed by the figuration may be considered as best sustaining the principles of basrelief and the maxims of com position perfected by Giotto. In the annunciation there is more action and less balance, and the same remarks may apply to the nativity and adoration of the Magi. 1 This figure was executed in 1414. See Ghiberti’s journal of that date in Baldinucci, ub. sup. Vol. V. p. 40. 2 Vas. Vol. III. p. 110. 3 Ghiberti com. in Vas. Vol. I. p. XXXII. See for the payments due to Michelozzo Miehelozzi, his tax paper; Gaye, Carteggio. Vol. I. p. 117. He describes him self as Ghiberti’s assistant; and the statue was commissioned of Ghiberti. See the record of Aug. 26. 1419 in Baldinucci, ub. sup. Vol. V. p. 44. In 1421. Ghi berti announces, that the figure has failed in the casting, and con sents to recast it at his own ex pense; — record. Ibid. Vol. V. p. 51. In 1422, he finally received 650 gold flor. for the work. Ibid. Vol. V. p. 52. 4 It was finished in 1447, but only gilt in 1452. 5 Forschungen. Vol. II. p.p. 230 and following. 6 The same system was pursued in the reliefs of the monument of S. Zanobi at S. Maria del Fiore commissioned in 1439. See Gaye, Carteggio. Vol. I. p. 543.
