Bishop John Fisher
by TORRIGIANO, Pietro, Painted terracotta, height 62 cm
Executed in London, this painted terracotta bust is an important harbinger of the Italian Renaissance style in England. Its realism was new there at the beginning of the sixteenth century, and a favourable reception would have ensured its maker a successful career. His most important commission was the bronze and marble tomb of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York in Westminster Abbey.
The sitter of the bust is not identified, perhaps he was a Florentine merchant, since Florentine merchants were instrumental in bringing Torrigiano to England.