Frazione Melezet, 10052 Bardonecchia
Author: unknown
Object: print
Subject: Blessed Amedeo of Savoy with Saints and Holy Shroud
Chronology: early 18th century
Material and technique: Print on silk
Location: Private collection - deposited at the Museum of Alpine Religious Art in Melezet - Bardonecchia
Brief description:
The print is made on a very delicate silk fabric. At the center of the composition, Blessed Amedeo of Savoy holds an edge of the Holy Shroud, assisted by four saints who together with him support the sheet.
On the right, Saint Margaret and Saint Maurice (with the cross of the Mauritian order of the House of Savoy under the cloak) can be read, on the left Saint Ludovica and Saint Claudio.
On the sheet, the figure of Christ's body is depicted in dark. At the top and bottom, a series of small cherubs complete the depicted scene.
Historical-critical notes:
This small print has been an object of devotion for several centuries in the Bardonecchia basin. It is greatly venerated by new mothers and pregnant women. Presumably, several families owned a similar image within their homes. Also interesting is the polychrome wooden frame that accompanies the fabric: a series of roses alternate along the embroidery of the frame, separated by golden acanthus leaves at the corners.
Essential bibliography:
Aa.Vv., The Shroud from this side of the mountains - documents and testimonies, Turin 1978.
