2-996-054 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Portion of the façade of Lucca Cathedral, [Lucca, Italy], 1860. 'Lucca is famous for the large number of remarkable churches it contains, chiefly in the Lombard style. At the head of the list stands the Duomo, or Cathedral, a very remarkable monument. It was founded, in 1060, by Anselmo Badagio, afterwards Pope Alexander II., who presented the consecrated banner to William of Normandy when he invaded England...The fine arcade of three unequal arches - two of very noble dimensions - and the surmounting three tiers of small ones, were erected by the architect Giudetto, in 1204. Both small and large columns...are richly sculptured. The inlaid work on this front, representing hunting subjects, &c., is very curious; and the portico abounds with quaint and elaborate ornaments. Over the left-hand door is a semicircular alto-relievo of the Deposition, by Nicolo da Pisa. On the architrave below is a very rude mezzo-relievo of the Adoration of the Magi, attributed to Giovanni, his son. Between the doors are four reliefs representing subjects from the life of St. Martin (to whom the cathedral is dedicated)...On the right-hand side of this facade rises the lofty campanile, or tower'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.