POLLAIUOLO, Antonio del
(b. 1431/32, Firenze, d. 1498, Roma)

Tomb of Pope Innocent VIII

1492-98
Gilded bronze, height 549 cm
Basilica di San Pietro, Vatican

The tomb consists of two parts with the deceased represented twice, alive and dead. The lower section contains the sarcophagus with recumbent effigy, above which is the three-dimensional Pope bestowing the apostolic blessing, surrounded by reliefs of the four cardinal virtues. On top, a heavy cornice is surmounted by a lunette with the three theological virtues in relief (Charity in a mandorla usurps the traditional place of the Madonna and Child).




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