Roberto Joppolo - Giovanni Paolo II – “Rosario, Preghiera prediletta” - bassorilievo in lamina d’argento, opera - 2003

Description
Prestigious first edition of the commemorative work “Rosary – Preferred Prayer,” published in 2003, enhanced by important silver elements and dedicated to Pope John Paul II and the Year of the Rosary.
The large red cover is dominated by a splendid bas-relief in silver sheet, the work of artist Roberto Joppolo and produced by Coinart of Florence. The composition depicts Mary, Mother of the Rosary and Mother of Peace, with John Paul II gathered in prayer with the Rosary, the Baby Jesus and the dove of peace.
On the back is applied the papal coat of arms of Pope John Paul II in silvered metal, another precious element that underlines the strong bond of the work with his pontificate.
Of particular historical interest is what is documented inside the volume: Roberto Joppolo’s composition was also cast in bronze by Briman-Arte of Verona and donated to John Paul II to be destined for Pompeii, in memory of the Year of the Rosary.
The volume, composed of 206 pages, constitutes a “Homage to Mary by 20 Cardinals” and gathers texts dedicated to the Mysteries of the Rosary, contents related to the Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae and a rich artistic and iconographic apparatus.
The artistic realization involves international authors, including Roberto Joppolo, Fernando Leal Audirac, Stephen Thomas Booth, Kazuo Paolo Yamaguchi and Bertina Lopes.
A work of great presence in which sacred art, silver craftsmanship, papal history and refined publishing meet, particularly interesting for collectors of John Paul II, Vatican memorabilia and contemporary religious art. Slight signs on the outer case, the book is as in the photo.