The sculpture known as The Veiled Christ (Italian: Cristo velato) was completed in 1753 AD and was originally (mis)attributed to Antonio Corradini. It is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable pieces of art globally. Interestingly, the renowned neoclassical artist Antonio Canova, who attempted to purchase the work, expressed a willingness to sacrifice ten years of his life to create such a masterpiece.
Although Corradini was initially commissioned for the job, he passed away after producing only a clay model. The final marble sculpture was crafted by Giuseppe Sanmartino. This astonishing piece depicts the lifeless body of Jesus covered by a transparent shroud, intricately carved from the same marble block as the rest of the statue. Sanmartino's skill, particularly in creating a "transparent" veil, not only earned him a well-deserved place in Western art history but also elevated his work to legendary status.
Some legends suggest that Sanmartino covered his sculpture with a linen veil, which he miraculously transformed into marble through intricate chemical-alchemical processes. These tales also claim that Raimondo di Sangro, the commissioner of the sculpture, was an alchemist who imparted the mysteries of his pseudo-science to Sanmartino. However, these are purely legendary accounts.
The statue is currently housed in the Capella Sansevero in Naples, Italy.
Although Corradini was initially commissioned for the job, he passed away after producing only a clay model. The final marble sculpture was crafted by Giuseppe Sanmartino. This astonishing piece depicts the lifeless body of Jesus covered by a transparent shroud, intricately carved from the same marble block as the rest of the statue. Sanmartino's skill, particularly in creating a "transparent" veil, not only earned him a well-deserved place in Western art history but also elevated his work to legendary status.
Some legends suggest that Sanmartino covered his sculpture with a linen veil, which he miraculously transformed into marble through intricate chemical-alchemical processes. These tales also claim that Raimondo di Sangro, the commissioner of the sculpture, was an alchemist who imparted the mysteries of his pseudo-science to Sanmartino. However, these are purely legendary accounts.
The statue is currently housed in the Capella Sansevero in Naples, Italy.