Dec 22, 2023
The Veiled Virgin was created by Italian sculptor, Giovanni Strazza (1818–1875), in Rome during the 1850s.
The statue appears translucent but is made completely out of Carrara marble, a material derived from Tuscany and used frequently by Italian Renaissance artists and ancient Roman builders.
In 1856, the statue was transported to Newfoundland where it was received by Bishop John Thomas Mullock (27 September 1807 – 26 March 1869).
In his diary, he wrote:
"Received safely from Rome, a beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in marble, by Strazza. The face is veiled, and the figure and features are all seen. It is a perfect gem of art."
