Pulpit, Cathedral of Pisa: Overall view

Appears to be in a museum and is likely a plaster cast. Giovanni Pisano's pulpit in Pisa Cathedral, was probably commissioned by Burgundio di Tadio, Operaio of the Cathedral Works, who is recorded in the inscription; it replaced an earlier pulpit by Guglielmo, now in Cagliari Cathedral. The pulpit was dismantled after a fire in 1595 and has suffered much damage from restorations, particularly those of Peleo Bacci (1926-1929). This, the most sumptuous of the Pisano pulpits, is of unprecedented size. The interpretation of its complex iconographic programme, probably at least partly devised by the Dominicans of S Caterina, Pisa, is controversial. The octagonal pulpit has a central support formed by three caryatids, clearly modelled on Classical prototypes and representing Faith, Hope and Charity; they stand on an octagonal pedestal adorned with figures of the Liberal Arts and Philosophy. The pulpit was originally coloured, as described in later documents, but only traces of this remain.