Nicola and Giovanni Pisano (c. 1220–1315): Pioneers of Gothic Sculpture

Nicola and Giovanni Pisano were influential Italian sculptors who shaped the course of Gothic art. Nicola Pisano, active around 1260, is best known for his work on the Pulpit at the Pisa Baptistery, a masterpiece of early Gothic sculpture that blends classical and medieval styles. His son, Giovanni Pisano, followed in his father’s footsteps, creating the Pulpit at Sant'Andrea Church in Pistoia in 1301. Giovanni's Slaughter of the Innocents is one of his most dramatic and emotionally charged works, showcasing his mastery in marble and his unique ability to convey human emotion.

These masterpieces are examined by art historians Dr. David Drogin and Dr. Beth Harris, offering insights into the Pisano legacy. This analysis was created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.