The Pulpit of Giovanni Pisano in Sant’Andrea Church in Pistoia

Abstract This paper presents a detailed analysis and conservation of the pulpit of the church of Sant’Andrea in Pistoia, a masterpiece by Giovanni Pisano, created between 1298 and 1301. The pulpit, remarkable for its intricate design and sculptural richness, has been modified and restored over the centuries and is currently in a critical state. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach to document and assess its structural integrity using 3D laser scanning and SfM photogrammetry. These techniques, along with dynamic and static structural tests, facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the pulpit’s condition, highlighting previously undocumented fractures and structural weaknesses. The study includes a finite element model (FEM) to simulate the pulpit’s dynamic behaviour under seismic loads, comparing it with actual recorded accelerations. Results show the model’s high fidelity in capturing the pulpit’s structural responses during seismic events. This approach, combining architectural analysis, digital modeling, and structural testing, contributes to the ongoing conservation and preservation efforts of this significant medieval work of art.