Gnecco Monument, 1882

This dramatic sculpture fills a 16″ tall niche, and includes four large figures and four sculpted cherubic children.

Sculpted by Antonio Rota in 1882, this work of art has suffered from neglect, pollution and humidity over the past 138 years.

The Gnecco monument, in the western galleries at Staglieno Cemetery, represents the shift in style taking place in the 1870’s and 1880’s, as artists moved from the earlier Neo-Classicism and Romanticism to more naturalistic, realistic portrayals.

Alfred Noack photographed many of the most significant sculptures at Staglieno Cemetery in the late 1800’s. His photo, on the left, shows the pristine white marble Gnecco monument just six years after it was installed. Note that the carved side panels were not installed until a year later; you see them in the 2018 photo on the right. This sculpture is now covered with 130 years of dirt and grime.

Standing at the doors of heaven, the children say goodbye to their mother.

The angel speaks to the children, and points upwards as the spirit of their mother rises above.

A detail of the two orphans, carved in marble. From the Gnecco monument, sculpted by Antonio Rota. After 138 years, the heavy layers of dirt hide the virtuoso details, and are breaking down the surface of the white Carrara marble.