Design for Pulpit

Sienese School

Summary

A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of a fragment of a design for a pulpit from the Sienese School. The design shows two arches supported by columns, above which is a row of five frieze-like scenes. The first of these shows the Nativity, the second the Adoration of the Shepherds, the third the Adoration of the Magi, the forth the Flight into Egypt, and the final image shows the Presentation of Christ at the Temple. Below this and to the left is another scene with a crowd of people that appears to the Marriage of the Virgin. The column against the left edge of the composition is supported by a lion. The accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society includes a short essay on the history of the designs for this pulpit, which were never carried out. This essay belongs to No.s 23-25 in the catalogue (accession numbers 1932.69/23a, 1932.69/23b, 1932.69/24 and 1932.69/25 in the Manchester City Art Gallery catalogue). Heading in the Vasari Society booklet: "Nos. 23-25 SIENESE SCHOOL, XIVTH CENTURY DESIGN FOR A PULPIT FOR ORVIETO CATHEDRAL NEVER CARRIED OUT Three fragments, at Orveito, London and Berlin. Pen and bistre on vellum. Original dimensions about 60 x 150 cm. (24 x 58 in.)" Text from the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society for this individual design: "First Fragment (No. 23 A, B [B has the accession number 1932.69/23b]) Museo dell' Opera del Duomo, Orvieto. 57 x 82 cm. (22 1/2 x 32 1/4 in.) (The large size of the sheet necessitates, in this case, a great reduction in scale. As a partial remedy the drawing is divided in two parts, one section of the first part being repeated on the second. Each part is thus given on a larger scale than would be possible if the sheet remained undivided, and the gain in clearness must be set against the loss of unity. The scale of the figures in the original may be seen by turning to the reproductions of the second and third fragments [1932.69/24 and 1932.69/25], which are given in full size.) The Orvieto fragment contains the design for the first four sides of the pulpit. The parapet of the first side rests on a solid wall, while on the next three sides it is carried on arches. It contains bas reliefs with scenes from the Life of Christ, two subjects to each side, divided by statuettes of Apostles or Prophets standing on corbels. At the end of the second side are two of these statuettes, as also on the pillar at the spring of the arch; on the corbel above them is an eagle, interpreted by Beltrami as a small book-rest or lectern. The pillar at the end of the third side, between the second and third arches, rests a lion. The subjects of the sculptured Life of Christ commence on the wall of solid marble with the Marriage of the Virgin. The first of the smaller scenes on the parapet is lost; it was doubtless the Annunciation. The Nativity follows on the same side; then, in pairs, the Adoration of the Kings and Presentation in the Temple, the Flight into Egypt and Entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper and the Betrayal by Judas."