Benedetto Antelami, the most forward-looking of the trinity of Lombard sculptors including Wiligelmo da Modena and Nicolo of Verona, creates, in about 1190, his masterpieces in the noble, monumental figures of David and Ezekiel.

Set into niches on the facade of the cathedral of Fidenza, formerly Borgo San Donnino, dedicated to Saint Domninus of Fidenza.

The ponderous figures are actually carved in relief, although they give the impression of being freestanding statues.

Antelami's works are characteristic for their realism, and strong emotion, within the formalist context of their time.

The architect and sculptor Benedetto Antelami had received the commission from the city council to design the Parma Baptistery, begun in 1196; he also creates its elaborate sculptural decorations.

The octagonal building, faced in pink Verona marble, is considered to be among the most important Medieval monuments in Europe.

His name is derived from the "Magistri Antelami," a guild of master builders with whom he trained, spending part of his formative years in southern France.

Stylistically bridging the Romanesque and Gothic periods, Antelami’s architecture and sculpture display stylistic and iconographic parallels with Provençal Romanesque art.