Pistoia - Sant'Andrea

Sant'Andrea, believed to have been Pistoia´s ancient cathedral, is thought to date back to the period of Lombard domination. The present day church dates to the mid 12th century.

Inside Sant'Andrea is this masterpiece of Giovanni Pisani, who created this great marble pulpit created 1298 - 1301.

It is sometimes compared to the pulpits sculpted by Giovanni's father Nicola in the Baptistery of Pisa and the Duomo of Siena, which Giovanni had assisted with. The Pisanis´ works are often described as "proto-Renaissance".

There is an inscription here, telling that the work was commissioned by Arnoldus and supervised by Andrea Vitelli and Tino di Vitale. It continues ".. Giovanni carved it (...), the son of Nicola, and blessed with higher skill.."

The pulpit has a hexagonal plan with seven columns (one in the middle) and five parapets.

Depicted on one of the parapets is in the left corner the "Dream of the Magi" - an angel tells them not to return to Jerusalem. Above them are their horses. Further right the "Adoration of the Magi". Two angels are watching, one is the "Star of Bethlehem". In the right corner is the dream of Joseph. He learns from the angel, that he now should migrate to Egypt with Mary and little Jesus. This dream starts the "Flight to Egypt".