European Renaissance
Santa Maria sopra Minerva: Michelangelo's Christ
Description:
The Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome was acquired by Dominican Friars in 1275. The site was established as a central church and monastery to the Dominican order. The gothic church began construction in 1280, modeled after Santa Maria Novella in Florence, and completed in 1370. In the 16th century, the Baroque facade was designed by Carlo Maderno, a Swiss-Italian architect. In the 19th century, the facade was changed into the neo-medieval tradition that is seen today. The name of the basilica is also derived from the grounds it was built upon – once the temple for Minerva, a Greco-Roman goddess. The interior of Santa Maria sopra Minerva has impressive elements from 15th century frescoes in the Carafa Chapel to Michelangelo’s sculpture placed near the altar. Michelangelo’s Cristo Della Minerva or Christ the Redeemer / Christ Carrying the Cross was completed in 1521. It is the subject of this cast.
Period of Original: Renaissance
Origin of Original: Rome, Italy
Location of the Cast: 20 W. 44 St. New York, NY USA
Provenance: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Condition: Cast has been thoroughly cleaned and restored.
Additional Information:
