Saint Susanna, Baroque marble sculpture in Santa Maria di Loreto, Italy
Saint Susanna is a marble sculpture depicting a Roman virgin martyr and stands in the Santa Maria di Loreto church. The figure was carved from white marble and shows naturalistic details with a downward gaze that seems to engage the viewer.
An artist created this sculpture between 1630 and 1633 as a commission from a guild for the church's decoration program. The work was made during a period when the Baroque was flourishing in Rome and church patronage supported emerging talents.
The figure combines classical influences with Baroque expression, showing how the artist translated Roman traditions for his era. Visitors can notice how the finely carved drapery wraps around the body and establishes a new elegance in stone sculpture.
The sculpture stands in the Santa Maria di Loreto church near Trajan's Column and is accessible during church hours. Visitors should note that the fine marble details are best viewed from a middle distance.
The artist spent three years completing the work while dealing with health challenges such as gout. These personal struggles are reflected in the careful and deliberate execution.
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