Plaster cast, painted plaster, after the marble original baptismal font, possibly the work of Antonio Federighi dei Tolomei, from the Chapel of St John the Baptist in Siena Cathedral, 1482-1500. Cast by Signor G. de Ricco, probably in Siena, about 1892.

The font represents a fusion of scenes from the Old Testament and from classical mythology: The Creation of Man, Adam blaming Eve, the Expulsion, Hercules and the Nemean Lion, Hercules and the Centaur. This cast was taken from the marble original ascribed to Antonio Federighi dei Tolomei and is situated in the Chapel of St. John the Baptist in Siena Cathedral.

Purchased from Signor G. de Ricco in 1892 for £13 17s 3d (350 lire)

When this cast was acquired this font was ascribed to Jacopo della Quercia (about 1374-1438). It has since been given to his pupil Antonio Federighi who was capomaestro of Siena cathedral during the period 1450-80. The programme of the font represents a fusion of scenes from the Old Testament and from classical mythology: The Creation of Adam, the Creation of Eve, the Temptation, the Fall of Man, Adam blaming Eve, the Expulsion, Hercules and the Nemean Lion, Hercules and the Centaur. Around the base is a border of classicizing scenes with putti.

The original font was previously ascribed to Jacopo della Quercia and later to his pupil Antonio Federighi who was capomaestro of Siena Cathedral during the period 1450-80.

REPRO.1892-11