Alfonso Lombardi
Encyclopedia
Alfonso Lombardi also known as Lombardi da Lucca, Alfonso da Ferrara and as Alfonso Lombardo, was an Italian sculptor and medalist who was born in Ferrara, Italy in 1497, and died in Bologna
in 1537. He was very active in Bologna where he created a number of works that are still present in the most important churches of that city. Giorgio Vasari dedicated a chapter to Lombardi in his Le Vite delle più eccellenti pittori, scultori, ed architettori (or, in English, Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects).
, Duke of Ferrara, where he executed portrait medals carved in stucco or wax and then cast in metal.
Lombardi relocated to Bologna around the age of twenty. Lombardi’s statue of Hercules battling the Hydra, in terracotta, found in the Palazzo d'Accursio
in Bologna, was completed in July 1519. In December of that same year, he was commissioned to create Death of the Virgin for the oratory of Santa Maria della Vita. The work, consisting of fourteen larger-than-life size terracotta figures, was likely completed in 1522.
Between 1522 and 1526 he executed other works in terracotta in Bologna: Lamentation of Christ(Bologna Cathedral
), Saint Bartholomew (Santa Maria della Pioggia), and four terracotta statues of the Patron Saints (Torre dell'Arengo of the Palazzo del Podesta
).
Lombardi also carved sculptures in marble for the facade of San Petronio Basilica
in Bologna, including the lunette of the Resurrection (1527) and the side doors depicting the Annunciation and Adam and Eve (1526-32).
Lombardi’s success in Bologna brought commissions in Faenza
and Castel Bolognese
. According to Vasari, Lombardi was commissioned and prepared models for Pope Clement VII’s
sepulchral monument, but this project was never completed due to the death of Cardinal Ippolito de' Medici
, who had promised the work to Lombardi.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna, in the Po Valley of Northern Italy. The city lies between the Po River and the Apennine Mountains, more specifically, between the Reno River and the Savena River. Bologna is a lively and cosmopolitan Italian college city, with spectacular history,...
in 1537. He was very active in Bologna where he created a number of works that are still present in the most important churches of that city. Giorgio Vasari dedicated a chapter to Lombardi in his Le Vite delle più eccellenti pittori, scultori, ed architettori (or, in English, Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects).
Works
In his birthplace of Ferrara, Lombardi entered into his artistic apprenticeship, working with plaster and terracotta -- materials that he continued to prefer later in his life. He worked at the court of Alfonso I d'EsteAlfonso I d'Este
Alfonso d'Este was Duke of Ferrara during the time of the War of the League of Cambrai.-Biography:He was the son of Ercole I d'Este and Leonora of Naples....
, Duke of Ferrara, where he executed portrait medals carved in stucco or wax and then cast in metal.
Lombardi relocated to Bologna around the age of twenty. Lombardi’s statue of Hercules battling the Hydra, in terracotta, found in the Palazzo d'Accursio
Palazzo d'Accursio
thumb|260px|Palazzo d'Accursio.Palazzo d'Accursio is a palace in Bologna, Italy. It is located on the Piazza Maggiore and had been the city's Town Hall until 11 November 2008....
in Bologna, was completed in July 1519. In December of that same year, he was commissioned to create Death of the Virgin for the oratory of Santa Maria della Vita. The work, consisting of fourteen larger-than-life size terracotta figures, was likely completed in 1522.
Between 1522 and 1526 he executed other works in terracotta in Bologna: Lamentation of Christ(Bologna Cathedral
Bologna Cathedral
Bologna Cathedral , dedicated to Saint Peter, is the cathedral of Bologna in Italy, and the seat and the metropolitan cathedral of the Archbishop of Bologna...
), Saint Bartholomew (Santa Maria della Pioggia), and four terracotta statues of the Patron Saints (Torre dell'Arengo of the Palazzo del Podesta
Palazzo del Podestà
The Palazzo del Podestà is a civic building in Bologna, northern Italy.The edifice was built around 1200 as the seat of the local podestà, the various functionaries of the commune. It stands on the Piazza Maggiore, near the Palazzo Communale and facing the Basilica of St. Petronio...
).
Lombardi also carved sculptures in marble for the facade of San Petronio Basilica
San Petronio Basilica
The Basilica of San Petronio is the main church of Bologna, Emilia Romagna, northern Italy. It dominates the Piazza Maggiore. It is the fifth largest church in the world, stretching for 132 meters in length and 60 meters in width, while the vault reaches 45 meters inside and 51 meters in the facade...
in Bologna, including the lunette of the Resurrection (1527) and the side doors depicting the Annunciation and Adam and Eve (1526-32).
Lombardi’s success in Bologna brought commissions in Faenza
Faenza
Faenza is an Italian city and comune, in the province of Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, situated 50 km southeast of Bologna.Faenza is noted for its manufacture of majolica ware glazed earthenware pottery, known from the name of the town as "faience"....
and Castel Bolognese
Castel Bolognese
Castel Bolognese is a comune in the Province of Ravenna in the Italian region Emilia-Romagna, located about 40 km southeast of Bologna and about 35 km southwest of Ravenna. As for 2006, it has a population of c...
. According to Vasari, Lombardi was commissioned and prepared models for Pope Clement VII’s
Pope Clement VII
Clement VII , born Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici, was a cardinal from 1513 to 1523 and was Pope from 1523 to 1534.-Early life:...
sepulchral monument, but this project was never completed due to the death of Cardinal Ippolito de' Medici
Ippolito de' Medici
Ippolito de' Medici was the illegitimate only son of Giuliano di Lorenzo de' Medici.Ippolito was born in Urbino. His father died when he was only five , and he was subsequently raised by his uncle Pope Leo X and his cousin Giulio.When Giulio de' Medici was elected pope as Clement VII, Ippolito...
, who had promised the work to Lombardi.