Arnolfo di Cambio, born in the year twelve forty, was a prominent Italian architect and sculptor of the Duecento period. His artistic journey began under the mentorship of the renowned Nicola Pisano, where he honed his skills as a lead assistant. This foundational experience set the stage for his future accomplishments in the realm of architecture and sculpture.
By the year thirteen hundred, Arnolfo had ascended to the role of capomaestro, or Head of Works, for the illustrious Florence Cathedral. His influence extended beyond ecclesiastical architecture; he was also responsible for designing the sixth city wall around Florence, a monumental project that spanned from the years twelve eighty-four to thirteen thirty-three.
Throughout his career, Arnolfo di Cambio demonstrated remarkable versatility, establishing one or more workshops that produced a diverse array of works. This stylistic variation often makes it challenging to attribute specific pieces to his personal hand, reflecting the collaborative nature of his workshops and the evolution of his artistic style over time.