NICCOLÒ

Italian sculptor, master mason. He engraved his name on the cathedral façade in Ferrara in 1137, and it is assumed that he was a pupil of Wiligelmo in Modena. Niccolò’s works seem to be inspired less by the Classical period than by his predecessor, though they scarcely match his power of expression. Nonetheless, his figures have a special vividness which also comes through in the garments they wear. Niccolò also worked in Verona; pieces in the church of San Zeno, and in particular the jamb figures on the cathedral’s portal are ascribed to him and his workshop.