|
St. Mary
of Egypt
Died - Fifth Century
Feastday
- 3 April
Sculptor
- Lazzaro Morelli
Statue
created - c.1665-1667
It is part of a group of 24 erected
between September 1662 and March 1667.
Height
- 3.1 m. (10ft 4in) travertine
The travertine was of poor
quality and has prompted a number of heavy restorations.
The
saint is shown with long flowing hair that blends with the
billowing rope. She is caught in the act of praying with
folded hands to her chest and her face to the sky. Perhaps her
one bare leg alludes to her previous status as a prostitute.
In
Palestine, St Mary of
Egypt was a celebrated sinner of Alexandria before she
converted to God in Jerusalem at the intercession of the
Blessed Virgin. After her conversion she led a penitential
life of solitude across the Jordan. She is revered as the patron saint of penitents.
|
