About this piece
back to topAn antique relief plaster of Saint Helena after Desiderio da Settignano.
This bas relief plaque depicts Saint Helena in profile, designed after a 15th-century sandstone original by sculptor Desiderio da Settignano.
The figure is highly modelled with flowing hair and an embodied dress, fixed in a deep wooden outer frame. The internal gilt edge elevates the piece to resemble statutory marble.
Helena, mother of Constantine I, is revered in Christianity as a saint, credited with discovering the true cross.
