Baptistry of St John - South Portal

The south portal is the oldest and was designed by Andrea Pisano (1318-1330) and cast by Leonardo d'Avanzano (1330-1338). It is divided into 28 square Gothic panels. With workmanship reminiscent of the art of the goldsmith, the reliefs on 20 of the panels depict scenes from the life of John the Baptist, partron saint of the church; the other eight panels are allegorical representations of the theological and cardinal virtues. Every figure stands out in clear relief, each one a unique work of art in the modelling of the face, of the folds of the garments and the expressive posture of the body.

The decorations of the framing are by Vittorio Ghiberti, son of Lorenzo, and their foliage, creatures and fruit are an early indication of the wealth of form that characterized the Renaissance.