How important were responses to the Antique in the development of Essay

How important were responses to the Antique in the development of Italian late medieval sculpture - Essay Example The sculptural styles within Italy received significant transformation during the late medieval period. This period remained critical in the production of some of the most famous architectural styles applicable in the modern world2. Three dimensional sculptures were introduced in church statue, as well as life size symbolic representations of numerous political and religious figureheads. During the late medieval period numerous sculptors arose, significantly contributing to the development of Italian sculpture designs. Nicola Pisano (c1220/1225-c1284) remains to be one of the most notable sculptors to have existed during this period. His profundity in understanding classical roman sculpture style contributed to it being identified as the father of modern sculpture3. One of his most notable works today is the Pulpit of the Pisa baptistery, which utilised different sculpture styles4. This was one of his first works in which he displayed profound understanding and knowledge of classical roman sculpture style. Having travelled widely across the country, Nicola possessed immense knowledge of different cultural sculpture styles displayed in his sculptures. Giovanni Pisano, another notable Italian sculptor also emerged during the transformational period of late medieval times5. Giovanni continued and worked together with Nicola Pisano and completed some of the works left unfinished by Nicola6. The elegant sculptures within the faà §ade of Siena Cathedral were architectural designs of Giovanni. These possessed a blend of classical roman style with gothic style, a style commonly employed and developed by predecessor, Nicola. The continuity of Giovanni’s works appeared to display increased elaboration of Gothic style and less of classical roman style. The numerous works designed by Giovanni displayed his immense skill, leading to it being named â€Å"the first modern sculptor†. Through many of his later works, Giovanni represented the transformation from