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Lorenzo Maitani




Maitani established his reputation in Siena and was called to supervise the construction at Orvieto in 1308 when the unprecedented height and span of the cathedral's vaults and arches presented unforeseen difficulties. In 1310 he received the title ''capomaestro'' of the cathedral and became, in addition, overseer of bridges and civic buildings.

The design of the cathedral's façade is considered to be Maitani's most important work. Though his contributions to the façade as a sculptor are difficult to determine, it may be assumed that his sensibility dictated the overall scheme. Two of the panels attributed to Maitani, "Scenes from Genesis" and "The Last Judgment," are delicate Bas-relief s unified by an ascending vine that suggests a French Gothic influence. Sculptures generally attributed to Maitani include the bronze "Eagle of St. John" and the "Angel of St. Matthew."


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