FRANCESCO DI GIORGIO MARTINI
(b. 1439, Siena, d. 1502, Siena)

Deposition from the Cross (detail)

c. 1477
Bronze, 86 x 75 cm
Santa Maria del Carmine, Venice

This bronze relief occupies an important place in the catalogue of Francesco di Giorgio since it was executed during the artist's stay in Urbino. Originally it was part of a small altarpiece in the Oratorio di Santa Croce in Urbino. The profiles of the kneeling donator Duke Federigo da Montefeltro and his son Guidobaldo can be seen at right. In this relief Francesco applied the technique of Donatello with dramatic effect.