Antelami's
Deposition, 1178 (Baptistry of Parma)
Benedetto Antelami (c. 1150 – c. 1230) was a leading
Italian architect and sculptor of the Romanesque school, whose "sculptural style sprang from local north Italian traditions that can
be traced back to late antiquity"[1] Little is known about his life. He was probably originally from Lombardy, perhaps born in Val d'Intelvi. It is believed from the
Provençal style of his art that he served as apprentice at Saint-Trophime d'Arles. In 1178 he was at work on the Duomo
of Parma, with a bas-relief of the Deposition from the cross (illustration) On this work, in the right transept, his name and the date are inscribed. Here, in addition to the Provençal element, can be seen both
classical and Byzantine influence.
Later, in 1196, he was working with the sculptural decoration of the Baptistry of Parma, a building of which he was probably also the architect. Here, between 1196 and
1214, he made the lunettes of the three portals: on the outside portraying the Adoration of the Magi, the Last Judgement and an
allegory of life, on the inside the Flight into
Egypt, the Presentation at the Temple and David playing the harp. Also on the inside can be seen alto-relievo
personifications of the months and the seasons. These were probably intended for a portal on the facade of the Duomo, but
the work was interrupted by Antelami’s death.
Benedetto's sculpture is also to be found in the cathedral of Fidenza, formerly Borgo San
Donnino, dedicated to Saint Domninus of Fidenza.
The main west door of the Basilica di San Marco, Venice, is also attributed by
some to Antelami or his school, and the current replacement version of the Holy Face of
Lucca (the Volto Santo) is ascribed to his circle.
Antelami's works are characteristic for their realism, and strong emotion, within the formalist context of their time.
Notes
- ^ Florens Deuchler, "Introducing Nicholas of Verdun" The Metropolitan
Museum of Art Bulletin New Series, 28.6 (February 1970, pp. 229-231), p 230.
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