Saint Agnes
sculptorAttributed to
Master of Saint Catherine Gualino
(active 14th century)
Dateabout 1315
Place MadeItaly, Europe
MediumPolychromed and gilded poplar
Dimensions131.4 x 27.3 x 18.7 cm (51 3/4 x 10 3/4 x 7 3/8 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Accession numberS30s37
Status
Not on viewWeb CommentaryIsabella was a devoted Episcopalian who was drawn to the ceremonial and artistic aspects of Christianity and other religions, which are represented throughout the museum. Although, Christian decorative and liturgical objects dominate among the collection, by far. The Saint Agnes statue was purchased by Isabella while she was in Florence in 1897 from connoisseur and art dealer Stefano Bardini (1836-1922). In Europe painted wood sculptures from this time and place often represent sacred figures from Christianity. As objects of prayer and devotion, the sculptures were created to look alive. Historical accounts recorded several instances of such sculptures appearing to speak, bleed, move or cry. Teams of specialized artists collaborated on these sculptures in workshops by first intricately carving blocks of wood and then adding paint and gilding (gold decoration). This particular sculpture depicting Saint Agnes is painted with vermilion mixed with lead white, and the gold decoration is gold leaf applied on top of tin leaf. Saint Agnes, also called Saint Agnes of Rome, is the patron saint of girls, and one of the most celebrated Roman martyrs. In her story, she refused marriage, taking only Jesus Christ as her spouse. She refused to renounce her faith and was murdered during the persecution of Christians by the Roman emperor Diocletian (245-316).
Id717558
Last Updated8/9/24
EmbARK ObjectID13462
Source ID2393
Object/Provenance
