Porta della Mandorla, Gothic marble portal at Florence Cathedral, Italy.
Porta della Mandorla is a marble portal on the north side of the cathedral with fine carvings and plant motifs. The entrance is framed by an almond-shaped surround that encases a representation of the Virgin Mary's Assumption.
Construction of the portal began in 1391 and extended over several decades with different artists working on it. The work shows the connection between late Gothic and early Renaissance techniques.
The portal displays a mix of Gothic elements and early Renaissance forms that are visible on the cathedral's facade. Visitors can observe how artistic style shifted during this period.
The portal is located on the north side of the cathedral and is visible from outside and easy to reach. A complete restoration between 2002 and 2012 preserved the marble details and left the portal in good condition.
The almond-shaped frame in the gable gives the portal its name: it encloses Nanni di Banco's relief of the Assumption, carved in 1414-1421, in which the Virgin twists to hand her belt to Saint Thomas kneeling at the left corner. The four angels around her show visible physical effort, a departure from earlier Gothic relief.
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