Origins & Early Life

Giovanni Pisano (c. 1250 – c. 1315) was an Italian sculptor, who worked in the cities of Pisa, Siena and Pistoia. He is best known for his sculpture which combines French Gothic and the Ancient Roman art.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Henry Moore, referring to his statues for the facade of Siena Cathedral, called him "the first modern sculptor". Born in Pisa, Giovanni Pisano was the son of the famous sculptor Nicola Pisano. He received his training in his father's workshop and in 1265–1268 he worked with him on the pulpit in Siena Cathedral. Their next major work was the Fontana Maggiore in Perugia, completed in 1278. Nicola Pisano is thought to have died either around 1278 or in 1284 when Giovanni took up residence in Siena.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

These first works were made in Nicola's style and it is difficult to separate the contributions of the two artists. However, the Madonna and ChildWhich? can be attributed with certainty to Giovanni, because of its new way to express intimacy between mother and child. Giovanni's next work was at Baptistry, sculpting the statues in the two rows of traceried gables at the exterior (1277–1284). The vivacity of these statues is a new confirmation that he had left the serene style...

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