Pilaster of Angels Sounding Trumpets from the Parapet of a Pulpit 1302 - 1310

Giovanni Pisano carved this marble pilaster in the late 13th or early 14th century. We see two angels sounding trumpets, symbols of divine announcement and celestial music. These trumpeting figures echo through history. Consider the Roman use of trumpets in triumphal processions, signaling power and victory. The motif reappears in Christian art to herald sacred events. Here, Pisano connects the classical fanfare with the spiritual realm, creating a powerful synthesis. The sound of the trumpets may awaken primal emotions within us, a subconscious call to attention and reverence. Notice how the angel's gestures are stylized yet emotionally resonant. The act of kneeling and the focused expressions convey a sense of solemnity and dedication, engaging us on a deep, almost instinctive level. This symbol has resurfaced and evolved, carrying layers of cultural and psychological significance.