Volltext Seite (XML)
sible difference be perceived between these and the gates of the south transept of the Duomo of Pisa. 1 Various and sometimes ludicrous are the conjectures of historians respecting the origin or authorship of the latter. All agree in considering their sacred subjects in high relief as grotesque and exaggerated. 2 Yet they are less defec tive than the reliefs of Gruamons or Biduino, and can not be of an earlier period than the middle of the twelfth century. The date may indeed be defined almost with certainty by observing the mode in which the crucifixion was represented. The Saviour was exposed on the cross with a nail to each foot. The body was slightly bent and the head inclined towards the Virgin, standing at the base of the instrument of death. The eyes were closed. The Redeemer on the cross was never depicted with closed eyes in the eleventh century. At S. Urbano in Rome, and S. Angelc in Formis, he may be seen alive and serenely suffering. It was not till the twelfth century, as at S. Clemente (Rome), that the idea of agony and death was expressed. The south gate of the Duomo of Pisa may therefore be assigned to that time and to Bon- anno, who thus appears as an artist continuing and but slightly improving the art of sculpture, as it found ex pression in Pistoia. 3 With scarcely perceptible progress sculpture was prac tised in Parma at the close of the twelfth century (1178—96) by Benedictus, respecting whom the reader may study the following excerpt: On the pilasters and lunette of the northern gate in the Baptistery of Parma, he carved the roots of Jesse and of 1 Called gates of S. Raineri. 2 Momma, whose patriotism cannot be denied. Vol. I, p. 314—15. 3 Bonanno may be the same who, in 1152 to 1164, gave de signs for the walls of Pisa. See Muratori. The subjects on this gate are: the annunciation, the visitation, the birth of Christ, the adoration of the Magi, the pre sentation in the temple, the flight into Egypt, the massacre of the innocents, the baptism of Christ, the temptation, the transfiguration, the resurrection of Lazarus, the entry into Jerusalem, the washing of the feet, the last supper, the capture, the crucifixion, the des cent to limbo, Christ at the se pulchre, the ascension, and the death of the Virgin.
