The Bode Museum in Berlin presents a special exhibition exploring the rich history and artistry of the Siena Baptismal Font, focusing on the restoration and display of a unique plaster model of the renowned Renaissance masterpiece. This collaborative project between Berlin’s Sculpture Collection, the Museum of Byzantine Art, and the historic Berlin Plaster Casting Workshop celebrates the 120th anniversary of the Bode Museum, offering a new lens on this iconic work.
The exhibit highlights two central works: Donatello’s bronze statuette Putto with Tambourine (1429) and a plaster replica of the Siena Baptismal Font, originally cast from molds created in 1876. This monumental plaster model, standing over five meters tall, has undergone an extensive restoration process, completed in 2023 through the support of the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation.
Masterpiece of Renaissance Sculpture
The original Siena Baptismal Font, located in the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Siena, Italy, is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. Created between 1416 and 1434 by renowned sculptors Jacopo della Quercia, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Donatello, and others, it features intricate bronze reliefs and statues showcasing technical mastery and storytelling. Donatello’s contributions, including his Feast of Herod relief, demonstrate his pioneering rilievo schiacciato, a low-relief technique that art historians liken to early cinematic techniques for its depth and perspective.
Among the font’s decorations are six bronze putti, three by Donatello, including the Putto with Tambourine, which has been part of Berlin’s collection since 1902. Rediscovered by Wilhelm von Bode in 1901 in London, this work exemplifies Donatello’s talent in capturing naturalistic detail and movement, making it a celebrated piece of early Renaissance art.
The Legacy of the Plaster Casting Workshop
Berlin’s Plaster Casting Workshop, established in 1819, holds a significant place in art history as one of Europe’s largest repositories of historical castings. The Siena Baptismal Font plaster model was created in 1876 from casts taken directly from the original by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Del Ricco under commission by the Prussian government. This undertaking contributed to the workshop’s vast collection, which today includes around 25,000 molds and remains an essential part of Berlin’s cultural heritage.
Plaster casts like the Siena model were instrumental for museums in the 19th and early 20th centuries, as they allowed institutions to showcase important works without transporting originals. They played a role in educating the public and fostering an appreciation for historical art periods, with Italian Renaissance works among the most popular.
A Unique Exhibition Space
The exhibition is set in the Bode Museum’s “crypt,” a chapel-like space beneath the dome, an ideal setting to view these historical replicas in a contemplative environment. Alongside Donatello’s Putto with Tambourine, the plaster model embodies both the artistry of the original work and the dedication of Berlin’s artisans in preserving its legacy. In addition to this, a new cast of the sportello (a small bronze door with a Madonna and Child relief by Giovanni di Turino) has been made available for the first time to collectors and art enthusiasts.
Curated by Neville Rowley, curator for Italian art before 1500, and Veronika Tocha from the Plaster Casting Workshop, this exhibit not only underscores Donatello’s legacy but also emphasizes Berlin’s historical connection to Renaissance art. A comprehensive catalog with essays and color illustrations is available for those wishing to explore the exhibit’s themes in greater depth.
Supported by the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation and the Kaiser Friedrich Museum Association, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see two masterpieces, each reflecting both the past and the preservation efforts of today, fostering a deeper appreciation for Renaissance art and Berlin’s museum history.
