I misteri del pulpito senese di Nicola Pisano

The pulpit sculpted by Nicola Pisano for Siena Cathedral represents a masterpiece of sacred art not yet thoroughly studied in its complex iconographic program. 

The more than 300 sculpted figures depict the life of Christ up to the Last Judgment, preceded by the Prophets and Evangelists, with the intention of strengthening faith and Christian virtues in the believers.

In this volume, the term “mysteries” is used to analyse both evangelical episodes and hidden theological meanings that are difficult for the human intellect to comprehend. The pulpit also presents rare iconographic subjects, which are discussed here to explain their meaning.

Nicola Pisano profoundly innovated sacred art: he introduced new details into traditional scenes, such as the magus kissing the Child's foot, the Virgin fainting during the Crucifixion and the complex symbolism of the mystical Christ. 

By introducing the concept of the "souls in purgatory", he finally anticipated the formalisation of the doctrine regarding Purgatory.

A rich and detailed iconographic apparatus highlights the details and emphasises the expressions and gestures, providing a sure key for the scholar, but also for the attentive visitor.