Ugolino and his Sons

In the 13th century Ugolino della Gherardesca was the leader of the Guelphs in the Italian city of Pisa. Suspected of treason, this nobleman was locked up in a tower by his rival, Archbishop Ubaldini dei Ruggieri, together with his four sons, where they all died of starvation. Ugolinos fate was described by Dante Alighieri (Inferno, Canto 32-33). The theme…

In the 13th century Ugolino della Gherardesca was the leader of the Guelphs in the Italian city of Pisa. Suspected of treason, this nobleman was locked up in a tower by his rival, Archbishop Ubaldini dei Ruggieri, together with his four sons, where they all died of starvation. Ugolinos fate was described by Dante Alighieri (Inferno, Canto 32-33). The theme was popular in 19th century sculpture. Both Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux and Auguste Rodin turned it into sculptures. Through his expressive power of expression, Lambeaux in Ugolino and his Sons showed his indebtedness to Rodin and his affinity with the contorted style of the young George Minne. The sculpture is a hitherto unknown composition and probably the only cast.