Benedetto Antelami

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Benedetto Antelami (c. 1150 – c. 1230) was an Italian sculptor of the Romanesque school. Little is known about his life. He was probably originally from Lombardy, perhaps born in Val d'Intelvi. It is believed that he served as apprentice at the Saint-Trophime d'Arles, and that from here the Provençal style of his art can be traced. In 1178 he was at work on the Duomo of Parma, with a bas-relief of the Deposition from the cross. 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 he made the lunettes of the three portals: on the outside portraying the Adoration of the Magi, the Last Judgement 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.

Antelami's work is characteristic for their time by their realism, and strong emotion.