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Charms of Art

Tuesday 20 February 2024 e Wednesday 21 February 2024, 10:00 AM • Rome

650

Silver casket with golden applications, Rome, early 20th century

Estimate

€ 1.200 - 2.400

Sold

€ 2.193

The price includes buyer's premium

Information

6 x 17.8 x 6 cm

gross weight 700 g
decorated on the front  and on the back with stars and Aldobrandini papal coat of arms; on the sides decorated with stars and two oaks; at the corners heads of cherubs
inscription  on the lid CORPUS S. CAECILIAE VIRGINIS ET MARTYRIS / TO CLEMENT VIII PONT MAX INCLUSUM / ANNO M.D.IC. PONTIF. VIII
inscription on the inside within clypeus MARIANO RAMPOLLA / S.R.E. PRESBYTER CARD. TIT. S. CAECILIAE CIMELIUM / QUOD ARCAM CAECILIANAM REFERT OBLATUM / MCMVII



The casket commemorates the miraculous discovery of the remains of Santa Cecilia, happened in 1599 during the pontificate of Clement VIII Aldobrandini. According to the legend, the body of the young Christian martyr was found intact, in her marble sarcophagus, during the renovation works of the basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere.
For the occasion, the famous statue was commissioned from Stefano Maderno , still visible today under the altar of the church, which reproduces the body of the saint as she was found, with the wounds on her neck and the three fingers open to symbolize the Trinity.