PISANO, ANDREA, an eminent Italian sculptor, born at Pisa about 1280, and had the honour at a very early age of introducing a new style of art. Taking as his models the collection of ancient statues which were preserved in the cathedral and the Campo Santo of his native city, and also adopting Giotto's new method in design, he improved immensely upon the coarse and infelicitous manner of his predecessors, and rose to the first place in his profession. As a result of this proficiency, it came to pass that Pisano was summoned by the Florentines to take up his abode amongst them, to adorn their city, and to receive their patronage. He was employed to ornament with statues of the apostles and saints the façade of Santa Maria del Fiore. He was engaged during twenty-two years in executing the great gate of bronze for the church of San Giovanni, a work which still remains a proof of his genius. Many other commissions, both in sculpture and in architecture, continued to be entrusted to him until he died in 1345, surrounded with affluence, and dignified with the titles of citizen and magistrate.