Baptismal Font, Siena Baptistry

Donatello, Ghiberti, Jacopo della Quercia, and others




Views of the font with reliefs illustrating the life of John the Baptist

 

The Feast of Herod by Donatello, Bronze, 60 x 60 cm, 1427

This is one of Donatello's first attempts at relief sculpture. (See also the relief of St. George under the niche at Orsanmichele.) Here, too, he expresses space and depth through perspective as well as powerful dramatic emotions.
 

Details of The Feast of Herod

 

Arrest of John the Baptist by Ghiberti, 1427

Donatello's Hope, a figural statuette, is seen on the right hand side of the photograph at the left.
 

Baptism of Christ by Ghiberti, 1427

Donatello's Faith, the figural statuette holding a cup, is at the right of the left photograph.
 

Details of Baptism of Christ

 

Annunciation to Zacharias by Jacopo della Quercia, 1428-29

 

Upper portion of the font

The tabernacle in the center of the font with prophets in the niches, was designed by Jacopo della Quercia, 1427-29. The marble statue of the Baptist at the very top is also by him.



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© 2005 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.

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