Stoup (2)
by FEDERIGHI, Antonio, Marble
Two holy water basins (Siena Cathedral), described as newly made in an inventory of 1467, are also attributed to Federighi. They resemble antique candelabra and are richly decorated with lush garlands, palmettes, sphinxes and dolphins. They combine antique motifs with contemporary fantasy; the four bound, nude figures ornamenting the neck of one of the basins are sometimes cited as the modest precursors of Michelangelo’s Slaves (Mus�e du Louvre, Paris; Galleria dell’Accademia, Florence) for the tomb of Julius II.