Ghiberti (1378-1455) was born in Florence, Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance. He is well know for his bronze Doors of Paradise which he created for a contest (he competed against another famous artist, Brunelleschi). It contained 10 squares, or reliefs, and took 21 years. Following that, he was asked to create another set of doors which took 29 years. Fellow artist Michelangelo said, "They are beautiful enough for the gates of Paradise." Ghiberti loved to sculpt, paint, and work with metal due to influence from his step-father and artists in the north. His style was considered International Gothic.

When Ghiberti was young, his step-father, whom he claimed was his father, apprenticed him to a painter. There he became the stereotypical Renaissance artist: he focused on nature, the human body, and the classical tradition. In all of Ghiberti's works he tried to instill a sense of grace. During his career he was hired to work on many sets of doors in Italy including Abraham and Isaac, Jacob and Esau and Solomon and Sheba, all of which pictured Biblical scenes. On top of being an artist, Ghiberti was an author who wrote the earliest surviving autobiography. He accomplished a great deal in his lifetime, but yet hundreds of years later has not been recognized for all he contributed to the Renaissance.

I, O most excellent reader, did not have to obey [a desire for] money, but gave myself to the study of art, which since my childhood I have always pursued with great zeal and devotion.
-Lorenzo Ghiberti, Commentaries (early 15th century)

They are so fine that they would grace the entrance of Paradise.
-Michelangelo Buonarroti, of Ghiberti's doors for the Baptistry, Florence, quoted in Vasari, Lives of the Painters (1568)

The Annunciation
1403-1415, finally set in 1424

Adoration of the Magi
1403-1415

North Doors (Life of Christ)
1403-1424

The Baptism of Christ
1427

Self-Portrait (detail from the eastern door)
Baptistry, Florence