Saint George (1403) by Cristoforo SolariVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
A decisive gesture
In the Milan Duomo Museum there's a statue which was originally placed on top of the oldest spire of the Cathedral: the Carelli Spire, named in memory of Marco Carelli, a wealthy merchant who, at the end of the 14th century, donated all his goods to the Duomo construction. His legacy helped to erect the Cathedral's first spire which still stands today, looking out over the street of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
The sculpture was made in 1403 by artist Giorgio Solari. Tradition has it that the Saint's face shares the features of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milano at the time of Duom foundation, and later Duke of the city.
View of the Carelli Spire (Early 20th century)Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Saint George is depicted dressed as a crusader, in armour, holding a metal standard in his left hand and a dagger in his right, standing proudly. In this photo from 1952, the original statue can be still seen on top of the Carelli Spire.
Demolished statue of Saint GeorgeVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
It was during bombing in World War II that the artwork was severely damaged. This was the reason why, after a radical restoration, it was moved to the Duomo Museum.
Statue of Saint George (1403) by Giorgio SolariVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Today, the work is displayed in the room dedicated to the origins of the Cathedral. Made of Candoglia marble, it is over 2 meters (roughly 6 feet) tall: body and leg armor, and gauntlets, Saint George is the "warrior saint" of the Visconti family.
The rose window from large, stained-glass window 20, known as the "Sun of Justice"Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
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