Standing Apostle

Giovanni Bandini (called Giovanni dell'Opera)

mid-16th century · Pen and brown ink · Robert Lehman Collection

This study by the sculptor Giovanni Bandini belongs to a series of drawings representing single standing male apostles and prophets that was once attributed to his teacher, Baccio Bandinelli. The sheet probably relates to one of several projects Bandini executed for the cathedral of Florence, most likely the relief sculptures of the choir screen, which were begun by Bandinelli in 1547 and completed by Bandini in 1572. The standing figure may be a preparatory study for a series of sculpted apostles set in niches, also intended for the cathedral. The sharply contrasting areas of light and dark endow the figure with a sense of volume and angularity.

Artist

Giovanni Bandini (called Giovanni dell'Opera)

Date

mid-16th century

Medium

Pen and brown ink

Department

Robert Lehman Collection

Credit line

Robert Lehman Collection, 1975