Gano di Fazio. Siena School Head of a Prophet.

White marble freestanding sculpture by the Italian master Gano di Fazio (Siena, active between 1290 and 1318) representing a prophet. Gano di Fazio, also known as Gano da Sienna, is considered one of the founders of the Sienese school. The prophet's forehead, uncovered, is high and even, highlighted by a subtle undulating relief in the hair. The eyes, with delicately carved eyelids and lightly hollowed irises, gaze to the right. The locks of hair are masterfully sculpted into broad ribbon-like waves that fall to either side of the head and down to the neck. The beard, dense and triangular, is composed of broad strands ending in soft points, emphasizing the volume. Gano di Fazio's works are exclusively preserved in public monuments or collections. The comparison is particularly evident with the 11 statues of saints and prophets held at the Massa Marittima Museum and originating from the cathedral, allowing this rare sculpture to be dated to around 1315–1317.

This work comes from a private collection in Munich. It has been examined by a specialist in Tuscan sculpture and is accompanied by a certificate of expertise in the Sienese school, which will be provided to the purchaser.
References consulted:
· Max Seidel, Italian Art of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. II: Architecture and Sculpture, Venice, Marsilio, 2003,
· Roberto Bartalini, Gothic Sculpture in Tuscany: Masters, Monuments, Workshops of the 13th and 14th Centuries, Cinisello Balsamo, Silvana Editoriale, 2005.