The pulpit of the Siena Cathedral was sculpted between the end of 1265 and November 1268 by Nicola Pisano with the extensive participation of his son Giovanni Pisano and his assistants Arnolfo di Cambio, Lapo di Ricevuto and several other artists. It is made of Carrara marble and is the earliest remaining work in the cathedral.
The staircase dates from 1543 and was built by Bartolomeo Neroni. At the same time, the pulpit was moved from the choir to its present location. It was raised on a square base, with a rectangular base jutting out on each side
Nicola Pisano was given this commission due to his fame resulting from his Pisa pulpit. The Siena pulpit, resembling the Pisa pulpit but larger, is even more ambitious and is considered Pisano's masterpiece. The pulpit expresses in deeper extent the French Gothic style, adopted by him while still showing a more measured classical Roman influence.
The whole message of the pulpit is concerned with the doctrine of Salvation and the Last Judgment. The seven scenes on the top level of the pulpit explore the theme of salvation. The colonettes between the panels have been carved into small figures of prophets and angels. The upper and lower cornices are equally richly carved, giving the whole a scroll-like reading of the scenes. (Viewing can be difficult because of the dark interior of the cathedral.)
The seven scenes on the parapet narrate the Life of Christ.
The scenes are crammed with people, leaving no empty spot between the characters. The many figures in each scene with their chiaroscuro effect, show a richness of surface, motion and narrative. The characters express their emotions and are very aware of the unfolding drama. The faces of the Blessed and the Damned in the Last Judgment panel show realistic expressions. The different scenes in several panels are set above each other, giving the impression of a certain depth. Each panel is filled to the top with figures to avoid open spaces:
The pulpit is octagonal in shape. There are nine columns, made of granite, porphyry and green marble. Four columns rest on a base, two are supported by lions and two by lionesses, while the central column rests on small statues of the Seven Liberal Arts and Philosophy.
On the middle level, the trefoil arches between the eight columns are separated by small statues, representing the Christian Virtue. In the spandrels, the space between the trefoils and the statues, Pisano has included statuettes of Sibyls, the Evangelists and Prophets, announcing the salvation of mankind.