3 Artworks That Got The Artists Accused of Alchemy.
Some marble sculptures are remarkably unbelievable that some people concluded and popularly stated that the Artists must have created them by draping a veil over the figures and using alchemy to turn them into stone. Such were the cases with Corradini’s Modesty, Sanmartino’s Veiled Christ, and Strazza’s Veiled Virgin. These Artists were considered, a trio of the greatest masters of marble in history, each with a gift from God to turn stone into transparent veils. Only a very few artists have ever achieved this impossible effect.
Modesty 1752
The first on the list is “Modesty” or “Veiled Truth” by Antonio Corradini, 1752. It is also known by its Italian title, “La Modestia.” The sculpture is a marble masterpiece and is considered Corradini’s most remarkable work. It portrays a female figure standing with her head slightly bowed toward the left side and her eyes cast downward, having her weight on one foot more than the other. This pose gives her human-like qualities and a motion of being in the middle of an action, conveying a sense of humility and reserve. The figure is partially veiled, with the veil delicately carved to resemble a translucent fabric draped over her body. The veil covers her face shielding her eyes, leaving only her hands, neck, and a portion of her chest exposed.
Corradini’s skilful craftsmanship is evident in the intricate details of the sculpture. The delicate folds of the veil and the fine texture of the fabric are meticulously carved, giving the impression of a soft and flowing material. The artist’s attention to detail is remarkable, as he creates a sense of movement and ethereal beauty through the marble medium.
Modesty is often admired for its technical mastery and the emotional depth it conveys. The sculpture captures a moment of introspection and contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of modesty, virtue, and inner reflection. It exemplifies the Baroque style, which emphasized dramatic expression and theatricality. Today, it is housed in Cappella Sansevero in Naples, Italy. The sculpture continues to captivate visitors with its timeless beauty and serves as a testament to Corradini’s talent as a sculptor.
Veiled Christ 1753
Also on the list is “Veiled Christ” by Giuseppe Sanmartino, 1753. The Veiled Christ, or Cristo Velato in Italian, is a renowned marble sculpture created in 1753 by Giuseppe Sanmartino. Placed at the centre of the nave of the Sansevero Chapel, the Veiled Christ is one of the most famous and impressive works of art in the world. It was the Prince’s (Raimondo di Sangro) wish that the statue be made by Antonio Corradini, who had already done Modesty for him. However, Corradini died in 1752 and only managed to make a terracotta scale model of Christ. This led to the appointment of Sanmartino who would bring the masterpiece into existence with his brilliant crafting.
The sculpture delineates the lifeless figure of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion, covered by a translucent veil. The veil is carved so delicately and realistically that it gives the illusion of being a real, finely woven fabric.
The sculpture showcases the mastery of Sanmartino in capturing the intricacies of drapery and the ethereal quality of the veil. The sculpture is renowned for its emotional impact and the lifelike representation of Christ’s body beneath the veil. It is known for its remarkable details, such as the intricately carved veins, the visible musculature, and the facial expression that conveys both pain and serenity. The Veiled Christ is a powerful portrayal of the suffering and transcendence associated with Christ’s crucifixion.
The Sansevero Chapel, where the sculpture is housed, was originally the private chapel of the noble Sansevero family. It was transformed into a museum in the 19th century and is now open to the public. In addition to the Veiled Christ, the chapel contains several other notable sculptures and artworks. The Veiled Christ continues to be a symbol of artistic excellence and spiritual contemplation. It attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty and reflect on its profound religious significance.
The Veiled Virgin 1850s
Winding up on this list presents the famous “The Veiled Virgin” created by Giovanni Strazza in the 1850s. Strazza was an Italian sculptor who lived from 1818 to 1875. The exact date of the statue’s completion is unknown, but it was believed to be in the early 1850s. This particular artwork depicts a veiled female figure, her face and body covered with a delicate veil that reveals only her eyes. The veiled woman was intended to embody Italia, in the same way Britannia symbolized England, Hibernia represented Ireland, and Lady Liberty told the United States. The sculpture gained significant recognition for giving the appearance of being translucent, but in fact, is carved of marble. Strazza was known for his skill in creating detailed marble sculptures, and “The Veiled Virgin” is regarded as his magnum opus.
One of the remarkable aspects of the sculpture is the ethereal quality of the veil, which appears almost transparent despite being carved from solid marble. The delicate drapery creates a sense of mystery and softness, enhancing the overall beauty of the artwork. The bust became highly popular during the 19th century and received widespread acclaim for its artistic merit.
It was regarded as a remarkable technical achievement, showcasing Strazza’s ability to sculpt intricate details with precision and sensitivity. Today, the bust is placed under the care of Presentation Sisters, in Cathedral Square, St. John’s, NL Canada. The Veiled Virgin remains a celebrated example of neoclassical sculpture and continues to captivate viewers with its skilful craftsmanship and emotive portrayal.
