Arnolfo di Cambio
- Born:
- Died:
- Nationality:
- Florentine (Italian)
- Profession(s):
- Sculptor, Architect
Early Life and Education
- Apprenticed under Nicola Pisano in the 1260s.
- Worked on the Siena Cathedral pulpit with Pisano.
Career and Major Achievements
- One of the most important sculptors and architects of the late 13th century.
- Chief architect of Florence Cathedral (Duomo) from 1296.
- Sculpted numerous tombs, statues, and architectural elements in Rome and Florence.
- Pioneered a new style of sculpture that blended classical and Gothic elements.
- Worked for prominent patrons, including popes and noble families.
Notable Works
- Tomb of Cardinal Guillaume de Braye (San Domenico, Orvieto)
- Fountain of the Thirsty People (Fontana Maggiore, Perugia) - as an assistant to Nicola Pisano
- Statue of Charles I of Anjou (Musei Capitolini, Rome)
- Nativity Scene (Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome)
- Design and initial construction of the Florence Cathedral.
- Bronze statue of St. Peter (St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City)
Legacy and Impact
Arnolfo di Cambio was a pivotal figure in the transition from Romanesque to Gothic art in Italy. His architectural designs and sculptural innovations influenced generations of artists and architects. His work on the Florence Cathedral laid the foundation for its later development and solidified his place in the history of Florentine art. An understanding of the full scope of the impact of the work of someone like Arnolfo di Cambio biography requires acknowledging both his architectural and sculptural contributions.