A Blessed Soul
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Dove si trova «A Blessed Soul» oggi? Victoria and Albert Museum, Europe 1600-1815, Room 7, The Sheikha Amna Bint Mohammed Al Thani Gallery, Londra. Sì, esposta ora. Verificato 25 settembre 2026.
Londra, Regno Unito
SalaEurope 1600-1815, Room 7, The Sheikha Amna Bint Mohammed Al Thani Gallery
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- Fonte
- Il museo
Sulla scultura
This wax is one of a pair, which may have been part of a larger group. Similar objects in the collection (A.19, 20, 21, 22-1982) also represent souls in Paradise, Purgatory and Hell. These highly realistic and dramatic wax tableaux served as ‘memento mori’, intended to inspire thoughts on mortality. Wax modelling had acquired a certain status by the sixteenth century, as it lends itself to the type of intricate workmanship on a small scale which can be seen in this object, and enhanced by the use of colour and texture to mimic flesh.
Leggi
This wax is in the style of Gaetano Giulio Zumbo or Zummo (1656-1701), who was known for his expressiveness, as seen in this evocative image. Born in Syracuse to an impoverished aristocratic Sicilian family, the early life and training of Zumbo is shrouded in mystery. He spent time in Rome, Naples and Bologna, where his presence among circles of anatomists is recorded. In Bologna, he is thought to have been the first to propose using coloured wax for anatomical teaching models. From 1691 to 1695, he served Grand Duke Cosimo III and created his most famous teatrini (‘little theatres’), many of which were highly realistic and dramatic wax tableaux that served as ‘memento mori’ and intended to inspire thoughts on mortality (such as A.3-1966).
Victoria and Albert Museum
Scheda
- Numero di inventario
- A.65-1938
Che cosa raffigura
In catalogo
Fonti
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Immagine: Victoria and Albert Museum — © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
