Sculpture Of Saint Cecilia, Masterpiece, By Stefano Maderno. Alabaster, 19th Century

I thought I was holding a heavy funerary sculpture like those that adorned 19th-century tombs… I was struck by the young woman's pose, her neck almost bent, a mark on the nape of her neck, the position of her fingers, as if she were giving us a sign… I learned that it was a Baroque sculpture by Stefano Maderno, commissioned by Cardinal Paolo Emilio Sfrontano and completed in 1600. This recumbent effigy, representing the martyrdom of Saint Cecilia (3rd century), is now in the basilica bearing her name in Rome. She was condemned to beheading, but the executioner's blade, likely dulled, must have left her for dead after the third attempt, as the law did not allow a fourth blow… During her agony, the young believer signified her devotion to the Holy Trinity with her fingers. I invite you to read the superb prose about it on the Magnificat website. This barely dusted statue needs cleaning and a light polishing with oil or wax to regain its beautiful Carrara luster. If you know a musician… She's his patron saint…