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

Angels

1495-97
Bronze, height 124 cm
Duomo, Siena

Francesco di Giorgio Martini, a sculptor, painter and architect in Siena, is primarily known for his architectural practice and theory. His early wooden sculpture was influenced by the local Vecchietta and also by Donatello whose presence in Siena from 1457 to 1461 had a stimulating effect on him. His mature sculpture was in bronze.

In 1495 two bronze angels holding cornucopia, serving as candelabra at the two sides of the high altar in the Siena Cathedral, were commissioned from Francesco di Giorgio Martini.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 4 minutes):
César Franck: Panis angelicus