Date: April 27, 2024 1:04 pm
The marble work was moved from the church of Sante Flora e Lucilla, a building closed for more than a year due to structural problems
TOWER OF SIENA. “The blood of the Redeemer”, the marble lunette attributed to Donatello and preserved inside the church of Sante Flora e Lucilla in Torrita di Siena, has found a temporary location in the nearby church of Santa Croce. The transfer was necessary to continue making the work visible following the closure of the church overlooking Piazza Matteotti, due to some structural problems already under the attention of the competent authorities.
LThe sculpture is now accessible every day, from 9am to 7pminside the church of Santa Croce (via O. Maestri) built in 1642 and a pilgrimage destination as it hosts an altar dedicated to Madonna of Loreto. The transfer operations of the lunette, one of the most precious works of the artistic heritage preserved in the historic center of Torrito, were carried out by the Parish with the contribution of the Municipality.
The sculpture, dated around 1430, represents the Redeemer rising amidst a glory of angels and seraphim through figures emerging from the marble in a style very similar to that which made Donatello famous. This is why the lunette is believed to come from the great sculptor’s workshop. Exhibited together with a copy made in more recent times, the work has been a reason to visit the church of Saints Flora and Lucilla for yearstogether with the plates attributed to masters of Italian fourteenth and fifteenth century art such as Bartolo di Fredi, Michele di Matteo, Benvenuto di Giovanni.
To remedy the critical issues found in the church of Saints Flora and Lucilla, a renovation project has been prepared.
