Barisano da Trani

Barisanus of Trani is an Italian sculptor of the second half of the 12th century. About his life nothing is known data.

There are only two works that can be attributed to him with certainty, the two bronze doors of the Cathedral of Trani San Nicola Pellegrino and the Cathedral of Monreale. Maybe he is also involved in the bronze door of the cathedral of Ravello, the only work to which there is a clear dating to 1179. The chronology of his works is controversial. In most cases the portal of Trani is dated to 1190 and Monreale to 1200.

Characteristic of these bronze doors is the evolution from the predecessor only incised types towards a slightly raised more plastic representation. Barisanus creates extensive New Testament scenes that clearly a Byzantine- Oriental influence showing in their filigree like style and some thematic features (eg representations of gladiators and the tree of life with antithetic animals).