Preekstoel in de Sint-Andreaskerk te Pistoia 1864 - 1881

Captured by Giacomo Brogi, this photograph depicts the pulpit in the Church of Sant'Andrea in Pistoia. Stone lions support the columns. The lion, a symbol of strength and vigilance, has been used since antiquity to guard sacred spaces, as seen in ancient Egyptian temples. The pulpit itself is covered in relief sculptures depicting biblical scenes, including the crucifixion. This scene is rendered to evoke pathos: figures surround the cross in the throes of sorrow. The cross and the crucifixion have been repeatedly reimagined and recontextualized across cultures and eras. It is a sign of faith and sacrifice, but also a meditation on mortality and the human condition. The emotional intensity captured by Giovanni Pisano serves as a reminder of the power of art to tap into our deepest fears and hopes. The image continues to resonate, prompting viewers to reflect on the timeless themes of life, death, and redemption.