Das Stützengeschoß der Pisaner Domkanzel
Gedanken zum Alterswerk des Giovanni Pisano

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The cathedral pulpit in Pisa re fleets a comprehensive construction of ideas in which must be included not only the railing panels and the figures between them, the figures and reliefs of the entresol, but also the figures and groups of figures of the support floor. The 12th verse of the psalm 84 written on the scroll which Christ holds in His left hand provides the key for the interpretation of the support floor: "Veritas de terra orta est et I ustitia de Coelo prospexit". Also the 11 th verse of the psalm 84 must be drawn upon: "Misericordia et Veritas obviaverunt sibi. Iustitia et Pax osculatae sunt". In theological literature and in painting of the Middle Ages both verses play an important role. Iustitia (Justice) and Veritas (Truth), Pax (Peace) and Misericordia (Mercy) being basic ideas and maxims in Christian thought and action (as can be illustrated by numerous literary and pictorial examples) are understood as virtues as weIl as a direct reference to Christ and His incarnation by Mary. This applies also to the pulpit. The figure of Christ must in this case be understood as "Iustitia de Coelo"; the female figure with the children at the breast as "Veritas de terra orta". The conception of Iustitia is associated with the conception of Pax just as the idea of Veritas is associated with that of Misericordia.