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

Virgin and Child Enthroned

1296-1302
Marble, height 173 cm
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. Of these, the large Virgin and Child Enthroned from the main portal tympanum occupies pride of place as a late masterpiece by Arnolfo.