Restored Baptismal Font of Siena Cathedral Reveals Renaissance Masterpieces

A three-year restoration of the Baptismal Font in the Baptistery of Siena, a collaborative effort between the Opera della Metropolitana di Siena and the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, has been completed. The font, created between 1427 and 1431, is a composite work featuring contributions from Lorenzo Ghiberti, Donatello, Jacopo della Quercia, and Giovanni di Turino. The restoration addressed environmental challenges, revealed new insights into the artists' techniques and authorship, and included the fabrication of custom support structures for future access. The font, comprising a hexagonal marble basin with gilded bronze reliefs depicting the life of John the Baptist, a tabernacle with prophets and a Madonna and Child by Giovanni di Turino, and bronze spiritelli, is now presented in a renewed visitor layout. The Opificio delle Pietre Dure will conduct semi-annual inspections to monitor preservation. Notable details include Ghiberti's 1427 Baptism of Jesus relief and Donatello's dramatic Banquet of Herod.