Vittoriano
Angelo (or Giovanni Angelo) Marini, also known as De Marinis and called Il Siciliano, was a sculptor originally from Sicily who was active in the Duchy of Milan. Indeed, some documents attest to his presence in the Lombard artistic milieu between 1551 and 1584, although neither his date of birth nor details regarding his training are known precisely.
Mentioned by Giovan Angelo Lomazzo in the Rime, along with the most notable sculptors of the Duchy, Marini is best known for having created numerous sculptures for the Carthusian monastery of Pavia and the cathedral of Milan.
Among his most notable works is his participation in the decoration of the church of Santa Croce in Bosco Marengo, a prestigious commission given to him by Pope Pio V Ghislieri. On this occasion, Marini contributed to the creation of the large wooden altarpiece placed on the high altar, designed by Giorgio Vasari. He collaborated with the Tuscan sculptor Giovanni Gargiolli in the creation of the work and devoted himself in particular to the creation of the figures and narrative scenes.
The relief depicting the Cena in casa del Fariseo, initially attributed to Gargiolli, is now traced by Clara Seghesio precisely to Angelo Marini. In fact, the physiognomic characteristics of the characters, the treatment of hair and drapery, and even the theatrical backdrop appear to be common.
