19th century plaster cast, Pediment of a Doorway, after the marble original by Hans von Fernach along the South door of the South Sacristy of Milan Cathedral, ca. 1493-6, cast by Edoardo Pierotti, ca. 1897

Plaster cast of the pediment of a doorway, after the marble original by Hans von Fernach along the South door of the South Sacristy of Milan Cathedral.

Purchased from Edoardo Pierotti in 1897 for £52 16s 7d

Hans von Fernach was one of a group of German sculptors working in Milan Cathedral during the 14th and 15th centuries. His original design for the apex of the pediment was too ornate for the cathedral authorities and he left the work unfinished. In 1493, Giacomo da Campione and Giovannino de'Grass, (d. 1498) agreed that they would complete Hans' design with a single crucifix. In 1495/96 the finished work was painted and gilded by Porrino de'Grassi. At the apex: The Crucified Christ. On the arch: left to right - The Annunciation, the Visitation, the Adoration of the Magi, the Presentation in the Temple, the Flight into Egypt, and the Massacre of the Innocents. In the tympanum: top register - The Virgin of Mercy; middle register - The Virgin and Child with SS. John the Baptist and Andrew; lower register - Lamentation over the Dead Christ. Above the entablature: The Ten Wise and Foolish Virgins and four unidentified figures.

Hans von Fernach was one of a group of German sculptors working at Milan Cathedral during the 14th and 15th centuries. His original design for the apex of the pediment was too ornate for the cathedral authorities and he left the work unfinished. In 1493 Giacomo da Campione and Giovannino de'Grass, (d. 1498) agreed that they would complete the design with a single crucifix. In 1495/6 the finished work was painted and gilded by Porrino de'Grassi. The plaster cast was probably acquired partly to show the persistence of the gothic style within Italy in the late 15th century.

REPRO.1897-8