The Prophet Haggai

Giovanni Pisano (1250 - 1314)

V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum)

1285 - 1297

This sculpture depicts the Old Testament prophet Haggai holding a scroll and turning to his left. The bust formed the top half of one of the 14 life-size statues of prophets and sibyls carved by Pisano and his workshop for the facade of Siena Cathedral. Twelve of them have been removed and placed in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Siena but are much less well-preserved than this bust, removed in the middle of the nineteenth century when it must have split from its base. Originally he faced the figure of Isaiah high up the north face of the façade, which may explain why both works are more boldly carved than those designed to be seen at eye level.

• Medium: marble
• Dimensions: 63.8 x 47.9 x 41.3cm
• Art Fund Grant: £5000
• ArtFunded in: 1963
• Vendor: Colnaghi

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