afteStefano Maderno - Statue, Saint Cecilia - 35.5 cm - Alabaster

A miniature version in alabaster of the sculpture of Saint Cecilia in the Santa Cecilia church in Trastevere in Rome.

This statue is made as a Grand Tour souvenir in the late 19th century.

The original marble sculpture of St Cecilia was made by the Italian sculptor Stefano Maderno and was completed c. 1600 for Santa Cecilia in Trastevere in Rome, Italy.

It depicts the saint lying on her side with her head turned, recalling contemporary descriptions of her body when her tomb was opened in 1599. Maderno’s inscription states that he represented the posture in which she was reportedly found, though the accuracy of this claim is uncertain. Scholars highlight the sculpture’s naturalism and simplicity, which established Maderno’s early reputation and the work's place in the development of Baroque sculpture. The piece influenced later depictions of Saint Cecilia and served as a model for her iconography in the early modern period.


ABOUT SAINT CECILIA:
Saint Cecilia (Latin: Sancta Caecilia lived in the first half of the third century), also spelled Cecelia, was a Roman Christian virgin martyr, who is venerated in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and some Lutheran churches, such as the Church of Sweden. She became the patroness of music and musicians, it being written that, as the musicians played at her wedding, Cecilia "sang in her heart to the Lord".Musical compositions are dedicated to her, and her feast, on 22 November,is the occasion of concerts and musical festivals. She is also known as Cecilia of Rome.

Saint Cecilia is one of several virgin martyrs commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass in the Latin Church. The church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, founded in the 3rd century by Pope Urban I, is believed to be on the site of the house where she lived and died.

Dimensions: 35,5 x 14,5 x 10 cm.

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