S Historiated Initial - Public domain medieval manuscript

Francesco di Antonio del Chierico was an Italian sculptor who lived during the Renaissance. He was born in Florence in 1433 and is known for his work in marble and bronze. Chierico trained as a goldsmith before becoming a sculptor. He worked in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio, one of the most important artists of the time. Chierico's early works show the influence of Verrocchio's style, which was characterised by a sense of realism and attention to detail. Chierico's most famous work is the bronze statue of St John the Baptist in the Baptistry of Florence. The statue was commissioned by the Guild of Wool Merchants in 1464 and took Chierico over 20 years to complete. The statue is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance sculpture and is renowned for its lifelike quality. Chierico also created several other notable works, including a marble relief of St George and the Dragon and a bronze statue of St Francis of Assisi. He died in Florence in 1484.