Nanni di Banco
Born: c. 1384, Florence, Republic of Florence Died: February 12, 1421, Florence
Italian Renaissance sculptor, a contemporary of Donatello. One of the artists whose work manifested the transition from Gothic to Renaissance art, finding inspiration in classical Roman sculpture and bringing new naturalism to Florentine art.
Artworks
Four Crowned Martyrs
Part of the sculptural program at Orsanmichele. Commissioned by the guild of stone and wood workers (Arte dei Maestri di Pietra e Legname), this sculptural group shows four Early Christian sculptors—Claudius, Castorius, Symphorian, and Nicostratus—who, according to legend, refused to carve a pagan idol for Emperor Diocletian and were martyred. The work is remarkable for its classical Roman influence and innovative group composition within a single niche. The four figures engage in conversation, their drapery and poses recalling ancient Roman senatorial statues. This classical reference was particularly appropriate given that the martyrs were sculptors, connecting the guild members to an ancient artistic lineage.
