Bonanno Pisano facts for kids

Flight to Egypt on the San Ranieri gate of the cathedral of Pisa.

Bonanno Pisano was an Italian sculptor who lived in the 1100s. He was active, meaning he worked, in the 1170s and 1180s. Bonanno was born in Pisa, a city in Italy, and spent most of his life working there.

He was known for mixing different art styles in his sculptures, including Byzantine art and classical elements. Many people believe he helped build the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. He contributed to the tower's construction in 1175, just one year after it began.

Bonanno Pisano also created beautiful bronze doors for cathedrals. In the 1180s, he traveled to Monreale in Sicily to finish doors for the cathedral there. After his work in Sicily, he returned to Pisa, where he later passed away. His tomb was found near the Leaning Tower in 1820.

Bonanno Pisano: A Master Sculptor

Bonanno Pisano was a very important sculptor of his time. He created many detailed bronze artworks. One of his early works was the bronze Porta Reale (Royal Gate) for the cathedral of Pisa. He made this gate between 1179 and 1180. Sadly, this gate was destroyed in a big fire in 1595.

The San Ranieri Gate in Pisa

The San Ranieri gate.

Starting in 1186, Bonanno Pisano worked on another important bronze door called the San Ranieri gate. This gate is located on the right side of the Duomo (cathedral) in Pisa. The gate shows many important moments from the life of Christ. Each scene is carefully crafted in bronze.

The Monreale Cathedral Gate

Monreale Cathedral gate

Bonanno Pisano also created a magnificent gate for the cathedral in Monreale, Sicily. He built this gate between 1185 and 1186. You can even see his signature on the gate, which says Bonanno civis pisanus (Bonanno, citizen of Pisa).

This gate is divided into two main parts. The bottom part shows five scenes from the Old Testament, starting with the story of Adam and Eve. The top part features five scenes from the New Testament. The very last scene on the gate shows "Christ and Mary in the glory of Paradise," which is a beautiful way to end the story.

See also

In Spanish: Bonanno Pisano para niños