Saint Dominic

This fascinating sculpted marble sculpture depicts Saint Dominic, founder of the religious order of Preachers, commonly known as the "Dominicans," founded by Dominic of Guzmán in 1216. He stayed in Genoa in 1218, where he dedicated himself to the formation of the first friars, founding the community of the Order in the city's largest complex, including the church and convent (the church alone was 90 meters long and had more than 20 chapels inside). The Church of San Domenico, an important place of worship and a center of religious life in Genoa, was demolished in 1821 for an urban redevelopment project aimed at modernizing the city. The half-bust figure wears the typical Dominican habit, and the face expresses a strong sense of spirituality and authority, perhaps immortalizing the saint in a moment of meditation. Dominic is a central figure in the history of the Catholic Church, and this bust reflects the devotion to him during a period of great religious fervor. The 16th-century sculpture, although suffering damage due to erosion and exposure to the elements, continues to convey a strong emotion and a sense of ideal beauty; it is an example of the Genoese tradition that developed in a rich and stimulating artistic environment, a collaboration between craftsmen, a dialogue between local traditions and those of other regions. Height 63 cm