Antique Italian Marble Plaque of St. Helena

Object Description

A well-carved, early 20th century antique Italian marble plaque of the elegant St. Helena, after a sandstone relief by 15th century Italian sculptor, Desiderio da Settignano (1429-1464), after a design by famed Renaissance sculptor, Donatello (1386-1466)

Also known as Flavia Julia Helena, Saint Helena was a Roman Empress of the 1st century and mother to Constantine the Great. While most of the stories surrounding St. Helena are attributed to myth rather than fact, she is credited with having discovered fragments of Christ’s Cross, making her a prominent figure in Christianity.

Beautifully modelled and with clear tooling marks, the plaque features a profile portrait of Saint Helena depicted as she is often seen in sculpture, wearing a wreath headdress with ribbons to the back. Larger in scale than other similar pieces, this plaque is a beautiful piece for an interior wall, adding classical elegance to any space.

A similar, smaller marble plaque of St. Helena forms part of the National Trust collection at Gunby Hall Estate, Lincolnshire.

Object Condition

Good structural condition. Slight discolouration and dirt build up, particularly to the edges. Minor chips and nibbles to corners and edges. Includes a bespoke metal bracket for attaching to wall (see picture 5).

Object Details