Entry 2

Speranza (1427)

Donatello

Battistero di San Giovanni, Siena, Italy

Bronze

52 cm

In Italian, speranza means hope. This is a particularly apt title for this work, since it is located in a place for baptisms, symbolically recognizing the hope felt by generations of new believers. The sculpture is located on the left side of the baptismal font itself; other bronze reliefs and sculptures depicting scenes from the life of John the Baptist adorn the rest of the baptismal font. The baptistry was built in the early 14th century behind the cathedral itself. Camaino di Crescentino designed the building itself, while Domenico D'Agostino started, but never finished, the Gothic facade on the exterior of the building. The inside of the baptistry is divided into a nave and two wide side aisles which are separated by Gothic arches. Frescoes on the ceiling portray various scenes from the life of Christ, such as the fresco depicting Christ Washing the Apostles' Feet by Pietro degli Orioli. Other scenes depicted include the descent of the Holy Spirit to Earth, the Annunciation, and the final Judgement of mankind. However, the focal point of the baptistry is the baptismal font itself. This font is made of marble, enamel, and bronze, used for Hope as well as the relief panels of John the Baptist.

Resources

http://www.lib-art.com/artgallery/9161-hope-donatello.html

http://guide.travelitalia.com/it/guide/Siena/2300/ (translated using Google translate)

http://www.operaduomo.siena.it/english/battistero01.htm