Arnolfo di Cambio
- Born:
- Died:
- c. 1302-1310, Florence, Republic of Florence
- Nationality:
- Florentine
- Profession(s):
- Architect, Sculptor
Early Life and Education
- Arnolfo di Cambio apprenticed under Nicola Pisano, demonstrating early talent in sculpture.
- He assisted Pisano on the Siena Cathedral pulpit (1265-1268) and the Fontana Maggiore in Perugia (1277-1278).
Career and Major Achievements
- Established an independent workshop in Florence, gaining prominence as a leading architect and sculptor.
- Served as chief architect of Florence Cathedral, designing the original dome and façade (later modified).
- Undertook significant urban planning projects in Florence, including street layouts and fortifications.
- Created monumental tombs and sculptures for prominent figures, solidifying his reputation.
Notable Works
- Sculptures for the Fontana Maggiore, Perugia (with Nicola Pisano)
- Tomb of Cardinal Guillaume de Braye, San Domenico, Orvieto
- Monument to Charles I of Anjou, Capitoline Hill, Rome
- Statue of Pope Boniface VIII, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence
- Design of Florence Cathedral and its original façade
- Sculpture of Madonna and Child, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence
Legacy and Impact
Arnolfo di Cambio's work represents a crucial transition in Italian art, bridging the Gothic and Renaissance styles. As this Arnolfo di Cambio biography outlines, he left a lasting legacy in Florentine architecture and sculpture, influencing generations of artists and shaping the urban landscape of Florence.