Dedalus: the mechanical arts

myminifactory

In 1334, Giotto took charge as capomaestro for constructing the Campanile, a bell tower adjacent to the Duomo. Upon his death in 1337, Giotto was replaced by sculptor Andrea Pisano, who was nearing completion of the first set of Baptistry Doors. At the base of the Campanile lies an impressive array of 54 reliefs - 26 hexagonal and 28 rhomboid shapes. Scholars continue to debate whether Giotto designed the program of reliefs on the tower. According to Vasari, two panels are attributed to Giotto: one depicts Apelles working with his brush, while another shows Phidias laboring with his chisel. However, today's consensus suggests that these two north-side panels, possibly inspired by an original design from Giotto, were actually created by Andrea Pisano.