Head of a Prophet

This head exhibits many of the characteristics of the style associated with the workshop of Giovanni Pisano. These are particularly noteworthy in the sensitive carving of the haunting face and its strikingly drilled beard. The head compares favorably to the sculpture made while Giovanni was master of works at Siena Cathedral (1285-97). Recent research suggests that it may once have belonged to a full-length Old Testament prophet looming on the exterior of Siena Cathedral.