Andrea Pisano

Andrea Pisano (* 1290 in Pontedera, near Pisa, † 1348 in Orvieto), also known as Andrea da Pontedera, was an Italian sculptor, goldsmith and architect.

Andrea Pisano first learned the craft of the goldsmith. Around 1300 he became a pupil of Mino di Giovanni and worked with him on the sculptures of Santa Maria della Spina in Pisa, but also in other places. He created his masterpieces in Florence.

His style was more influenced by Giotto di Bondone than by his former master.

He created in the years 1330-1336 one of the bronze doors of the Baptistery of Florence with scenes from the life of John the Baptist. It consists of a series of small quadratic bronze plates. The lower eight containing single figures of the virtues, the other scenes from the life of John the Baptist.

During his stay in Florence Andrea Pisano also created always important marble sculptures; they all show a strong influence of Giotto.

In 1340 he succeeded to replace Giotto as cathedral architect from Florence. He created a series of reliefs that may have been designed by his former master; for example, the double band reliefs of the great bell tower. These address the four great prophets, the seven virtues, the seven sacraments, seven. Works of mercy and the seven planets

The Duomo of Florence contains many more, designed by Giotto and executed by Pisano Marble works.

In 1347 he was architect of the Cathedral at the Cathedral of Orvieto. He worked on the facade, which had already been designed and begun by Lorenzo Maitani, and created a marble statue.

Andrea Pisano had two sons, Nino and Tommaso. Both, especially the older ones, managed to succeed him as architect of the Cathedral at Orvieto Cathedral.

Giorgio Vasari in his Lives of the most important Italian artists also on the family of sculptors Pisano.

Pisano's most important pupil was Andrea di Cione, better known as Andrea Orcagna. Another well-known pupil, Giovanni di Balduccio, led the work at the shrine of Sant'Eustorgio in Milan.