Siena Cathedral Pulpit, Marble pulpit in Siena Cathedral, Italy
The Siena Cathedral Pulpit is an octagonal structure carved from Carrara marble with seven narrative panels depicting scenes from the life of Christ. The artwork stands on eight outer columns made of granite, porphyry, and green marble, creating a varied color effect through these different materials.
A contract of 29 September 1265 between the Opera del Duomo and Nicola Pisano fixed materials, working time and pay; the last recorded payment is dated 6 November 1268. Nicola worked with his son Giovanni, Arnolfo di Cambio, Goro and the brothers Lapo and Donato di Ricevuto. The pulpit first stood under the dome's hexagon; in 1532 it was moved to its present position, and in 1536-1539 Bernardino di Giacomo carved the new stair and bridge, probably on a design by Baldassarre Peruzzi.
The central column displays carved figures representing Philosophy and the Seven Liberal Arts. These figures show how medieval thinkers valued knowledge and learning.
Visitors should allow time to examine the fine details of the seven marble narrative panels up close. Stepping back from the artwork helps you see the full octagonal structure and the variety of its supporting columns.
The four corner figures flanking the access bridge form the Annunciation: the Angel and the Annunciate Virgin frame the Nativity panel that follows. Similarly, the Mystic Christ stands between the Massacre of the Innocents and the Crucifixion, so the corner sculptures link the panels into one continuous narrative.
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