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| Original Chapel Gates in Prato |
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| Central Library's Front Gates |
This bureau has recently discovered the original on which
Central Library’s beautiful front entrance gates are modeled. Maso di Bartolomeo, one of the most respected
bronze artists in Renaissance Italy, designed the grilles that form the entrance
gate to the “Cappella della Cintola” (Chapel of the Virgin’s Girdle, or Belt)
in the Cathedral of Prato, Italy. Master
artisans created and installed this grille between 1438 and 1443. If you look closely, you can see a buckle
holding together the belt-like strands that encircle the graceful quatrefoil
design.
When Central Library was renovated (2010-2012), this motif
was used on the glass wall of the Carnegie Room and signs on the building's
third floor.
