Benedetto Antelami (c. 1150 – c. 1230) was a leading Italian architect and
sculptor of the Romanesque school, whose "sculptural style sprang from local
north Italian traditions that can be traced back to late antiquity" Little
is known about his life. He was probably originally from Lombardy, perhaps born
in Val d'Intelvi. It is believed from the Provençal style of his art that he
served as apprentice at Saint-Trophime d'Arles. In 1178 he was at work at the
Cathedral of Parma, where a bas-relief of the Deposition from the cross
(illustration) On this work, in the right transept, his name and the date are
inscribed. Here, in addition to the Provençal element, can be seen both
classical and Byzantine influence.
Later, in 1196, he was working with the sculptural decoration of the Baptistry
of Parma, a building of which he was probably also the architect. Here, between
1196 and 1214, he made the lunettes of the three portals: on the outside
portraying the Adoration of the Magi, the Last Judgment and an allegory of life,
on the inside the Flight into Egypt, the Presentation at the Temple and David
playing the harp. Also on the inside can be seen alto-relievo personifications
of the months and the seasons. These were probably intended for a portal on the
facade of the Duomo, but the work was interrupted by Antelami’s death.
Benedetto's sculpture is also to be found in the cathedral of Fidenza, formerly
Borgo San Donnino, dedicated to Saint Domninus of Fidenza. The main west
door of the Basilica di San Marco, Venice, is also attributed by some to
Antelami or his school, and the current replacement version of the Holy Face of
Lucca (the Volto Santo) is ascribed to his circle. Antelami's works are
characteristic for their realism, and strong emotion, within the formalist
context of their time.
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