Desiderio da Settignano - Young Saint John the Baptist

Desiderio da Settignano was an Italian sculptor who lived during the Renaissance. He was born in 1428 in Settignano, a small town near Florence, and died in 1464. Desiderio was known for his delicate and refined style of sculpture, influenced by the works of Donatello and Luca della Robbia. He worked mainly in marble, creating sculptures of religious figures as well as portraits and busts. One of his most famous works is the tomb of Carlo Marsuppini in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. The tomb contains a portrait bust of Marsuppini, as well as intricate reliefs depicting scenes from his life. Desiderio also created several other notable sculptures, including a bust of St John the Baptist and a Madonna with Child. His work is characterised by his attention to detail and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. Despite his short life, Desiderio da Settignano had a significant impact on the world of Renaissance sculpture. His works are still admired and studied today by art historians and enthusiasts.