Pulpit By Giovanni Pisano in Sant'Andrea, Pistoia - Description

Description

The structure is similar to the pulpit in Pisa: a hexagonal plan with seven columns (one in the middle), two of which are supported by lions and one by a stooping figure of Atlas, while the central one rests on three winged gryphons and the remaining ones on plain bases. The organization of the parapet's reliefs is inspired by the pulpit in Siena.

The iconographic program is also inspired by Nicola's work, with "Allegories" in the pendentives of the arches, "Sibyls" and "Prophets standing on the capitals' tops, and the five parapets with the following scenes from the Life of Christ:

  • "Annunciation", "Nativity" with the apocryphal detail of the midwives bathing the baby Christ and an "Annunciation to the Shepherds"
  • "Dream of the Magi"
  • "Massacre of the Innocents"
  • "The Crucifixion"
  • "Last Judgement"

The sixth parapet is missing, as its side provides access to the pulpit; the original stairway has now been removed.

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