RidingAndrea Pisano · 1336

Identification of the Sculpture Riding

The sculpture titled Riding is a work by the artist Andrea Pisano. This piece dates to about 1336. It is a marble relief that depicts a figure mounted upon an animal with a humanoid posture. The composition focuses on the interaction between the rider and the creature, capturing a specific moment of movement through the carved stone.

This work is currently held in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Florence, Italy. The sculpture is part of the historical collections housed within this institution. The physical object shows signs of age, including visible cracks and areas where the material has flaked away around the edges of the frame. The surface of the marble displays a range of tones from light gray to darker shades, which define the shadows and highlights across the form of the figure.

Visual Details and Composition

The sculpture presents a close-up view of a figure mounted upon an animal characterized by a humanoid posture. The rider is dressed in a garment featuring long sleeves that drape over the limbs. This composition is rendered in a Gothic style, emphasizing three-dimensional forms and intricate detailing. The physical state of the piece shows significant signs of age and exposure, including visible cracks and areas where the material has begun to flake away, particularly along the edges of the frame.

The marble displays a range of tones, moving from light gray to much darker shades. These variations in coloration create a natural play of light and shadow across the surface of the figure. The texture of the stone is uneven due to the weathered condition of the material. The background remains a neutral, nondescript surface, ensuring the focus remains entirely on the sculptural form and its physical characteristics.

Materials and Artistic Technique

The sculpture is carved from marble, a medium that the artist has manipulated to create a sense of physical presence. The stone is worked to suggest the weight and movement of fabric, specifically in the way the figure's robes fall with a naturalistic gravity. These drapery folds respond to the underlying form, creating a sense of volume through the interplay of light and shadow across the carved surfaces.

Precision is evident in the rendering of the tools held within the figure's hands, where the stone is shaped to define specific, functional objects. The surface of the marble carries a visible patina and a weathered texture. These physical characteristics are the result of the object's long-standing existence within the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The material shows variations in tone, ranging from light gray to darker shades, which emphasize the anatomical and structural details of the form.

Where to See the Work Today

This sculpture is held within the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The museum is located in Florence, Italy. It occupies a space characterized by its trilobate apse. This institution is situated directly opposite the east end of the Duomo.

The museum houses various collections, including marble and bronze works. This specific piece is part of the holdings maintained by the institution to preserve the physical history of the city's religious and artistic evolution. Visitors can find the work within the museum's designated galleries.