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132 EARLY CHRISTIAN ART. Chap. IV. and after the next month of March he was to reside at Sienna until the pulpit was finished, and to accept no other commission; but he was, if he desired it, to have, four times a year, a fortnight’s leave to visit Pisa, either for the purpose of giving counsel in the matter of the completion of the Duomo and Baptistery there, or for his own business. Thirdly: In the same month of March he was to bring with him to Sienna his pupils Arnolfo and Lapo, who were, likewise, hound to remain at Sienna till the pulpit was completed. Fourthly: The price of the marble columns and slabs was fixed at sixty five Pisan pounds, the daily pay of Niccola, at 8 — that of his pupils 6 Pisan “solidos,” besides bed and lodging. Fifthly: If Johannes, the son of Niccola, declared himself ready and willing to work under his father, he should receive half the salary of the latter. Sixthly: None of the sculptors were to be subject to any real or personal service in the republic of Sienna. Seventhly: Breach of contract on either side was forbidden under a penalty of 100 Pounds Pisan. 1 It was not long before this last clause threatened to become a serious charge. Arnolfo had not made his appearance in Sienna in May of the following year, and Fra Melano issued a peremptory injunction to Niccola to fulfil the contract. This done, the pulpit was com menced, and about November of 1268 completed, Niccola, Giovanni his son, and Arnolfo, Lapo, Donato and Goro, Florentines, being employed together in its erection. 2 The pulpit, of octagonal form, rested upon nine columns, four of which were supported on lions and lionesses, four on simple pediments and the central one upon a group of 9 figures in half relief. Seven bas-reliefs covered the faces of the pulpit. Firstly: The nativity. Secondly: The ado ration of the Magi. Thirdly: The presentation in the temple. Fourthly: The flight into Egypt. Fifthly: The massacre of the innocents. Sixthly: The crucifixion. Se venthly: The Last Judgment. The nativity. One of the finest groups in this relief is that of the women washing the infant Saviour. The latter 1 See the original document in Rumolir, Fors chungen. Vol. II. p. 145 and following, and M i 1 a - nesi, Doc. Sen. lib. sup. Vol. I. p. 145 and following. 2 Rnmolir. Milanesi, ub. sup.
