PulpitĐovani Pizan · 1301

The Pulpit of Sant'Andrea in Pistoia

Located within the Sant'Andrea church in Pistoia, Italy, the Pulpit by Giovanni Pisano represents a significant achievement in late thirteenth-century sculpture. Created between 1298 and 1301, this hexagonal pulpit reflects the artist's extensive career across the Italian cities of Pisa, Siena, and Pistoia. The structure is characterized by its complex geometry and the integration of architectural form with narrative relief.

Giovanni Pisano utilized white marble to execute the work, employing a high-relief technique to depict scenes from the life of Christ. The design incorporates seven columns and is supported by stylophore lions and a bent Atlas figure. This specific commission demonstrates the artist's ability to synthesize Gothic verticality with the weight and presence of classical tradition.

Composition and Narrative Reliefs

The hexagonal structure is defined by five white-marble parapets. These panels feature high-relief scenes drawn from the life of Christ, utilizing deep carving to create a sense of movement and shadow. The sculptural program follows a narrative sequence, beginning with the Annunciation and Nativity. This is followed by the Adoration, the Dream of the Magi, and the Angel Warning Joseph.

The remaining panels transition into more intense theological themes. The narrative includes the Massacre of the Innocents, the Crucifixion, and the Last Judgement. These reliefs are supported by seven columns and include stylophore lions and a bent Atlas figure. The composition relies on the interplay of light and stone to define the figures within the architectural framework.

Where to See This Masterpiece Today

The pulpit is a primary collection highlight of the Sant'Andrea museum. This Civic Museum is located in Pistoia, Italy. The institution itself dates back to the 13th Century, preserving the sculptural history of the region within its walls.

Visitors can find the work in this historic setting, which remains a central point for studying medieval and Renaissance art. The museum's location in the heart of Pistoia allows for direct engagement with the marble carvings and the architectural context of the Sant'Andrea site.