GHIBERTI, Lorenzo
(b. 1378, Firenze, d. 1455, Firenze)

St Matthew and Tabernacle

1419-23
Bronze, height 270 cm
Museo di Orsanmichele, Florence

The casting of the over life-size bronze statue of St Matthew was only partly successful, and certain parts had to be recast. There is no evidence as to which these were, nor can it be discerned from the figure; conceivably it was the open book of the Gospel and the right hand, held away from the body. The statue was moved inside the museum and was replaced by a copy on the façade.