Friday, September 11, 2009

Sanmartino's "Veiled Christ"

Sometimes I get so historian-like and analytical that I forget to appreciate the sheer beauty of art. I thought I'd post images a sculpture that I think is so beautiful and impressive, that it blows my mind. I hope I can see Giuseppe Sanmartino's Veiled Christ (1753; Capella de Sansevero, Naples) in person one day.

I think one can get a good sense of the Baroque drama (with the dark shadows) in this photograph

Isn't it amazing how Sanmartino sculpted the marble to give the impression of a thin, purely transparent veil? I've seen thin drapery folds before, but I think this is the only sculpture that makes me feel as if I'm looking through the marble. What technical mastery!