Virgin and Child Enthroned

In later life Arnolfo di Cambio returned to Florence (1296) and embarked on the ambitious project for the fa�ade of the Duomo until his death. It is known from paintings, a drawing and descriptions, which show that Arnolfo’s fa�ade then rose only to the height of the tympanum of the central portal. The sculptures created c. 1300 for the fa�ade of Florence Cathedral (now mainly in Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Florence, and Bodemuseum, Berlin) are well authenticated works. Of these, the large Virgin and Child Enthroned from the main portal tympanum occupies pride of place as a late masterpiece by Arnolfo.