Saint Veronica's Veil

Gallery 313, European Art 1100-1500, third floor

Main Building

Saint Veronica's Veil

c. 1500

Bernardino di Bosio Zaganelli (Italian (active Romagna), c. 1470–c. 1510)

According to legend, Veronica wiped the sweat from Christ’s brow with her veil as he carried the cross to Calvary and, miraculously, an image of Christ’s face became emblazoned on the cloth. The piece of fabric believed to be Veronica’s veil is preserved in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and has long been one of the most prized relics of Christianity. Here, Zaganelli creates a replica of Veronica’s veil in paint. Like the relic, this portrayal of the disembodied head of Christ bespeaks the perceived power of the image of Christ and the deep veneration inspired by representations of his face.

Gallery 313, European Art 1100-1500, third floor

Object Details

Title:

Saint Veronica's Veil

Date:

c. 1500

Artist:

Bernardino di Bosio Zaganelli (Italian (active Romagna), c. 1470–c. 1510)

Medium:

Oil on panel

Dimensions:

10 1/2 x 8 inches (26.7 x 20.3 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

John G. Johnson Collection, 1917

Accession Number:

Cat. 160

Geography:

Made in Italy, Europe

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Gallery 313, European Art 1100-1500, third floor

Main Building

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