Book excerpt: Italian Gothic Sculpture examines the sculpture produced in a variety of genres and media throughout the Italic peninsula, from the late medieval period until the beginning of the early modern era. Arguing that Italian Gothic sculpture is neither a provincial offshoot of northern Gothic art, nor a mere preparation for the Early Renaissance, Anita Moskowitz demonstrates that these art works are distinguished by a unique visual language and syntax. Incorporating the most recent archaeological discoveries, this study also addresses questions of politics, patronage, and piety to offer new ways of thinking about these art works.