Tomb of Antipope John XXIII, Sepulchral monument in Florence Baptistery, Italy
The tomb of Antipope John XXIII is a funerary monument created by Donatello and Michelozzo from 1422 to 1428, combining marble and gilded bronze in a composition reaching about 7 meters in height. The structure features a marble frame with three shell-shaped niches and a bronze statue placed beneath a protective canopy.
The individual was deposed at the Council of Constance in 1415 and imprisoned in Germany before eventually finding refuge in Florence. The tomb was constructed shortly after his death as a testament to his final years in the city.
The tomb displays three shell niches with relief carvings of the virtues Faith, Charity, and Hope, which along with the gilded bronze statue below represent the ideals associated with the person interred here. These symbolic elements remain visible to visitors as expressions of religious meaning in the Baptistery.
The monument sits between two columns to the right of the main altar in the Florence Baptistery and is easily accessible to visitors exploring the building. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best experience when the space is less crowded.
After a rival gained authority, the tomb inscription was modified in 1431 to include the word 'quondam' before 'papa,' indicating the person was no longer recognized as pope. This subtle alteration stands as a quiet mark of demotion preserved in stone and bronze.
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