Model of the Virgin Mary and Three Holy Women
Statuette
ca.1530 (made)
ca.1530 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The group is a sketch model for the central group in the altarpiece of the Deposition of Christ, completed by Begarelli in 1531 for Santa Cecilia in Modena (now in the church of S. Francesco in Modena), which was completed in August 1531 for the Franciscan Church of Santa Cecilia in Modena. Both were made of terracotta (literally ‘cooked earth’). The malleability of clay made it ideal for models, which were then fired to preserve them.
This is considered to be the only surviving model which can securely be given to the artist. Begarelli specialised in producing large-scale terracottas in his native Modena, continuing the tradition established by Guido Mazzoni (d. 1518).
In this model every aspect of the composition has been represented, and the degree of detail present is taken to a high level. This suggests that Begarelli's model was perhaps presented to the patron for approval.
This is considered to be the only surviving model which can securely be given to the artist. Begarelli specialised in producing large-scale terracottas in his native Modena, continuing the tradition established by Guido Mazzoni (d. 1518).
In this model every aspect of the composition has been represented, and the degree of detail present is taken to a high level. This suggests that Begarelli's model was perhaps presented to the patron for approval.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Model of the Virgin Mary and Three Holy Women (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Terracotta |
| Brief description | Statuette group, terracotta, The Virgin with Three Holy Women, by Antonio Begarelli, Italian, ca. 1530-31 |
| Physical description | A small-scale version of Mary collapsing at the foot of the cross in terracotta. The fainting Virgin is supported in the centre. Her arms are held by kneeling women to right and left, and a third woman supports her from behind. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | MODEL OF THE VIRGIN MARY AND THREE HOLY WOMEN
About 1530
Antonio Begarelli (1499–1565)
This small-scale version of Mary collapsing at the foot of the cross is a model for an over life size sculptural group in the church of San Francesco in Modena (see photo). Both were made of terracotta (literally 'cooked earth'). The malleability of clay made it ideal for medels, which were then fired to preserve them.
Italy, possibly Modena
Terracotta
Museum no. A.25-1953(2020) |
| Object history | Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A., 1953. Historical significance: This is considered to be the only surviving model which can securely be given to the artist. It was probably a model presented to the patron for approval. Begarelli specialised in producing large-scale terracottas in his native Modena, continuing the tradition established by Guido Mazzoni (d. 1518). In this model every aspect of the composition has been represented, and the degree of detail present is taken to a high level. This suggests that Begarelli's model was perhaps presented to the patron. |
| Historical context | The group is a sketch model for the central group in the altarpiece of the Deposition of Christ, completed by Begarelli in 1531 for Santa Cecilia in Modena (now in the church of S. Francesco in Modena), which was completed in August 1531 for the Franciscan Church of Santa Cecilia in Modena. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | The group is a sketch model for the central group in the altarpiece of the Deposition of Christ, completed by Begarelli in 1531 for Santa Cecilia in Modena (now in the church of S. Francesco in Modena), which was completed in August 1531 for the Franciscan Church of Santa Cecilia in Modena. Both were made of terracotta (literally ‘cooked earth’). The malleability of clay made it ideal for models, which were then fired to preserve them. This is considered to be the only surviving model which can securely be given to the artist. Begarelli specialised in producing large-scale terracottas in his native Modena, continuing the tradition established by Guido Mazzoni (d. 1518). In this model every aspect of the composition has been represented, and the degree of detail present is taken to a high level. This suggests that Begarelli's model was perhaps presented to the patron for approval. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.25-1953 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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