Episode 27: Brunelleschi

It all started with a contest. The Florence Baptistery needed new doors so a contest was held to find the best artist for the job. A great rivalry was born when Ghiberti and Brunelleschi tied for the commission. Brunelleschi stormed off to Rome where he studied the Roman ruins and learned about engineering.

Meanwhile, “Our cathedral has been dome-less for 100 years! We need to find the man who can put a dome on the cathedral! The first contest worked so well, let’s have another one!” said the leaders of Florence.

 Here we go again…

 “Hmmm”, said the leaders of Florence, “Brunelleschi knows his stuff, but Ghiberti is so easy to talk too! Let’s hire them both!” 

How will Brunelleschi solve this little problem? Will he run away to Rome again? Of course not! He’s got this. What he needs to do now is get rid of Ghiberti…

Dun, dun, dun.

What do you think? Do you think Brunelleschi was really sick?

Florence Baptistery Doors, Ghiberti

Brunelleschi's dome

Statue of Brunelleschi in Florence Cathedral