Saint Ambrose Blessing

Anonymous sculptorsecond half of 10th century

Details

Title: Saint Ambrose Blessing
Creator Lifespan: second half of 10th century - second half of 10th century
Creator Nationality: Italian
Date: second half of 10th century
Physical Location: Italy
Sculptor: Anonymous sculptor
Description: This roundel was originally located inside the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, though there is no precise information about its exact location. The saint is depicted at half-length, in a medallion with a blue sky background, holding an open book in his left hand while his right is raised in a gesture of blessing. From a stylistic point of view, the relief is similar to the stucco sculptures that decorate the ciborium of the same church of Sant'Ambrogio, datable to the Ottonian period. From the point of view of the iconography, the image of the saint strictly follows the mosaic of Ambrose (fifth century), found in the shrine of San Vittore in Ciel d'Oro in Sant’Ambrogio, which was the first known portrait of the patron saint of Milan and the only objective evidence for his appearance, representing a rare and valuable source for Ambrosian iconography.
Type: Relief
Rights: © Archivio fotografico Museo Diocesano, Milano
Medium: Sculpted and painted stucco

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