Over the years I have seen some of the most discussed and feted marble sculptures- David by Michael Angelo ( Academia gallery, Florence) Laocoon and his sons (Museo Clementino), Moses by Michael Angelo ( Basilica of San Pietro), Pieta by Michale Angelo (St Peter’s basilica) and Ecstasy of Saint Teresa by Bernini ( Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria).
But all of these pale when compared to the Veiled Rebecca. It is sheer poetry in stone. We spent more than an hour admiring the beauty and craftsmanship, something we have never done in any museum before. It is sheer beauty that takes your breath away!
Benzoni first executed the work in 1863 for Robert Winthe of London. It depicts the scene from the Hebrew Bible when a modest Rebecca covers herself with a veil upon meeting her future husband, Isaac (Genesis 24:65). Benzoni’s workshop made a number of copies of The Veiled Rebecca. Of the five copies that exist in various museums, one is exhibited at the Salar Jung Museum.
The healthy. young and vigorous form and structure of the body. her bashful looks. the slender hips. the supple limbs. the relaxed muscles. the shapely toes. the delicate fingers. the folds and wavy lines or the drapery. all tone and blend in a graceful plasticity. No waste material is seen on this marble sculpture or Rebecca, which stands on a round pedestal with her head bent slightly towards right. The veil is seen covered fully at her back. She wears bangles and also sandals, which are similar to the style of ancient Roman sandals as seen sculptures. She holds with right hand the fleets from inside the veil, together at her bosom while her left hand is seen hanging downward. Her legs. from below the knees. are devoid of any cloth. Her left leg is seen carved on the centre or the pedestal and the right foot with a turn to the right Is seen near the border of the pedestal. The ends of robe in its lower part occupy the pedestal in semi-circle shape while the upper ends of the robe carved together at one place at the chest level. A small black spot is clearly seen on the right thigh of the statue. which is lying in the texture of the marble naturally.
The manner in which the unerring and artistic carving of Benzoni has brought out of the bridal bashfulness and the youth of Rebecca in flawless white marble is an achievement which has brought the artist immortal fame. The pedestal in round ls carved in the same stone or figure without any joint. However. the sculpture ls placed on a round pillar type mottled brown marble. The pedestal has an inscription which deciphers the signature: G.B.Benzoni, Roma 1876. Salar Jung acquired this sculpture from him when he travelled to Italy in 1876.
We have been to this museum at least six times just to see and appreciate this sculpture. Has any scuplture moved you ever? Please share in the comments below
Dear @TravellerG . This is my 100th post and dedicated to you. Hope you enjoy the pictures of this stunning beauty
