TINO DI CAMAINO
(b. ca. 1285, Siena, d. ca. 1337, Napoli)

Monument of Bishop Antonio d'Orso (detail)

1321
Marble
Duomo, Florence

Tino probably returned to Florence in October 1320 in order to erect the tomb of Bishop Antonio d'Orso on the interior west wall of the new cathedral (the Bishop was buried in the tomb on 18 July 1321). Much of the tomb, which is signed, is preserved in situ and comprises a base supported on consoles, a sarcophagus above borne by lions, and the seated figure of the deceased on top of the sarcophagus. The dead Bishop may originally have been seated on a throne under a small canopy, which would have provided the setting for a monumental representation of the upward journey of his soul (flanking angels in private collection; central portion untraced); this structure would have been surrounded by a baldacchino to tie the ensemble together.

The sarcophagus relief depicts personal judgement, which takes place at the moment of death: the dead man, kneeling, is commended by the Virgin to Christ, beside whom stands St John the Baptist; on either side of this central group are angels and saints.