Italian Mid Scale Roman Grand Tour Sculpture Replica of Stefano Maderno’s Famous 1600 Baroque Masterpiece, The Martyrdom of Saint Cecilia, Hand Carved Alabaster Figure & Inscribed “Catacombe di San Callisto Roma”, Circa 1880-1920

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This exceptional antique Italian Grand Tour sculpture is a finely hand-carved alabaster replica of Stefano Maderno’s famous 1600 Baroque masterpiece, The Martyrdom of Saint Cecilia. Dating from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century, this substantial devotional piece measures approximately fifteen inches in width, making it a rare, mid-to-large-scale example of historic European travel memorabilia. The front of the integrated alabaster plinth features a beautifully crisp, incised inscription that reads “CATACOMBE DI SAN CALLISTO ROMA,” explicitly placing its origin as an upscale pilgrim souvenir acquired at the historic Catacombs of Saint Callixtus along the Appian Way in Rome.
The sculpture beautifully preserves the deeply symbolic and hauntingly elegant iconography of the original white marble monument located in the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. The figure of the saint is depicted exactly as her incorrupt body was purportedly discovered in 1599, prone on her side with her head wrapped in a modest veil turned away from the viewer.   A subtle slit is often carved on the neck to signify her attempted beheading. Every fold of her flowing drapery is rendered with the delicate, translucent qualities characteristic of genuine old-world Italian alabaster, capturing the solemn grace of the historic artwork.
Great care has been taken to carve the intricate details of her hands, which carry immense theological significance. Her right hand clearly extends three fingers to symbolize the Holy Trinity, while her left hand extends a single finger to signify the belief in One God, serving as her final confession of faith at the moment of her martyrdom.
This authentic piece of religious art history makes a profound addition to any collection of classical European sculpture, Catholic antiquities, or Grand Tour artifacts.
Dimensions: width 15″ x depth 7.75″ x height 5.0″

$1,350.50

1 in stock

Product ID: 110328 Categories: ,

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