AMADEO (OMODEO), GIOVANNI ANTONIO

AMADEO (OMODEO), GIOVANNI ANTONIO. - Lombard architect and sculptor (1447-1522), who brought decisive Renaissance characteristics to the Lombard tradition. A work of his youth was the sculptural decoration (capitals) of the cloister of Pavia and, according to A. Venturi, La danza degli Angeli in S. Eustorgio. In the Colleoni chapel (1475), a felicitous union of architecture and sculpture, A. provides proof of his sensibility, which resolves itself into a plethoric decorativism, undoubtedly a trace of the unextinguished Gothic taste, but which nevertheless reveals sincere adherence to original and fully fifteenth-century characteristics. And, in this sense no less than in the Lombard tradition, the statue of Medea Colleoni represents a definitive achievement. Other examples of A.’s tireless activity are the shrine of Captain Tarchetta in Milan Cathedral (1480), and the monuments to St. Francesco and St. Airaldo in Cremona Cathedral (1481). From 1481 to 1515 A., architect of Milan Cathedral, worked on the construction of the tiburio, completed its interior, and erected the small spire that bears his name. He also devoted himself to the construction and ornamentation of the façade and of the two cloisters of the Certosa di Pavia, assisted in this as in other works by a numerous band of followers. - Vedi Tavv. LXXIII-LXXIV.