Figure

Item number Ce303 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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Description

Bust of the Virgin Mary wearing a crown over a blue head scarf and a orange cape, with blue and yellow scroll motifs. There is a green band at the base. Painted on front; back is white glaze. Earthenware.

History Of Use

This bust is thought to be one of many produced of the Madonna di Provenzano. Legend says that during the second half of the sixteenth century when the city of Siena was occupied by the Spanish, a soldier shot at the original statue mounted on the outside wall of a house. Part of the statue was destroyed, but the bust of the Madonna survived. The soldier’s gun exploded, and he was either wounded or killed. This was viewed as miraculous, and the bust became a symbol of a victory against the invaders and was later moved to the Church of Santa Maria di Provenzano, where it is still kept in a dedicated sanctuary. The popularity of the Madonna bust led to the production of many copies, kept for private devotion.