Nude Hercules in the Pisa Baptistery

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by Henk Bekker

The pulpit in the baptistery of Pisa by Niccola Pisano in 1260 with a nude Hercules.

The most important artwork in the baptistery of Pisa is the pulpit sculpted by Niccola Pisano in 1260. The most remarkable feature is a naked Hercules — nude sculptures were rare in the Middle Ages. Although obviously not a biblical character, Hercules was sneaked in as a representation of “Strength”.